Pooles Island Lighthouse

Year Built

1825

Cost

$5,000

Type

Conical tower

Height

38 feet

Location

Pooles Island off Aberdeen Proving Ground

Automated Year

1918

First Lit

1825

Lens Type

Fourth-order Fresnel lens

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

1939 - 2011

Color

White w/black lantern

Last Keeper - Date

Amasa J. Simpson (1915 – at least 1917)

Description

Access to the island is prohibited due to unexploded ordnance.

Brief History

•  In 1882 the keepers dwelling was enlarged by the addition of a second story.
•  A new boathouse was added in 1892, along with a windlass to hoist up the station’s boat.
•  Two red sectors were placed in the lantern room on April 10, 1894 to indicate turning points in the channel east of the lighthouse.
•  In 1917, coinciding with America’s entry into World War I, the island was purchased by the U.S. Army and made part of Aberdeen Proving Ground.
•  In 1996 the exterior was completely stripped. The lantern was re-painted, new windows and mahogany doors of the original design were installed.