This lighthouse also has the distinction of being the easternmost light in the United States, standing on the easternmost point of land in the United States. Today a National Historic Site, the station is still active, with the light still shining out to sea to warn seafarers of the dangers nearby. The rest of the site, though, has become a visitor centre, operated by the
West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association.
The lighthouse was built in 1858, on a site that has hosted a lighthouse since 1808. On July 4, 1980 the Quoddy Head Light was entered in the US National Register of Historic Places. Some information on the lighthouse and surrounding area, from nearby plaques, is included below.
We assume that a great many lighthouses, particularly those with a claim to fame of some sort, have had books written about them. The West Quoddy Head Light is no exception, having been immortalized with the book,
West Quoddy Lighthouse: Lubec, Maine. Written by by C la Macmillan, with Cover Design by Pembroke Maine Art, the 50 page paperback was published by Createspace on April 16, 2010.
West Quoddy Head
Light Station
West Quoddy Head Light Station, first authorized in 1808 and rebuilt in 1858, is one of the earliest such installations on the Maine coast and the first east of Penobscot Bay. It is also distinguished as the easternmost light in the United States. In 1869 a steam operated horn was installed to replace the old fog bell. West Quoddy was one of the first two stations in the country to be so equipped.
West Quoddy Head Light Station, dating from 1808 and 1858, is an early and well-preserved example of the form in brick. Two principal structures are present, the lighthouse and the keeper's quarters.
The lighthouse consists of a circular tower 49 feet tall above the ground and narrower at the top than at the base. Above this the light proper, with an 18-mile maximum range, rises 83 feet above the water. At the top of the tower is an iron railing and slightly projecting walkway, and there is a similar feature at the level of the light. The most distinctive aspect of the lighthouse tower are the alternating red and white horizontal bands. A covered brick entry and
attached frame entry are both covered by gabled roofs.
Picturesquely sited with a magnificent view across Quoddy Roads to the palisades of Grand Manan Island, West Quoddy Head Light with its red and white stripes is an internationally known landmark and a favorite tourist attraction.
From the NRHP Nomination Form