Lighthouses

DEER ISLAND THOROFARE LIGHT - Maine

 

Location: Mark Island - SSW of Stonington
Currently Operational: Yes
Height: 52 feet
Year Established: 1857

 

The Deer Island Thorofare Light, also known as the Mark Island Light, is a beacon of history nestled in Penobscot Bay, Maine. Established in 1857, this lighthouse has guided mariners through the busy waterways of East Penobscot Bay for over a century. The light stands on a six-acre island purchased for just $175 and was first illuminated on New Year's Day in 1858. Its 25-foot-tall square brick tower, which is uniquely round on the inside, was originally equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens. This lens cast a fixed white light 52 feet above mean high water, visible for up to 12 miles.

The lighthouse's first keeper, Thomas Colby Small, was a seafarer whose career at sea was ended by an injury. The lighthouse has seen various keepers, including Melissa Colby Holden, who took over after her husband, the keeper, passed away. She is remembered for her dedication to maintaining the light during a challenging period. Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several changes, including the painting of the keeper's dwelling from brown to white and the addition of a bell for fog signaling. The Deer Island Thorofare Light stands as a testament to the rich maritime history of Maine and continues to be an iconic symbol of the area's seafaring heritage.

 

Deer Island Thoroghfare Lighthouse

 

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