Boon Island Light ME
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Description: Boon Island Light is a historic lighthouse located on Boon Island, a small rocky island off the coast of Maine, near York. It is one of the most remote and challenging lighthouses to access in New England. The lighthouse was first established in 1811 to guide ships through the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Maine. Boon Island itself is known for its rocky terrain and perilous conditions, making the lighthouse's role crucial in ensuring safe navigation for mariners. The original lighthouse was a stone tower that stood approximately 80 feet (24 meters) tall. Over the years, it underwent several renovations and improvements, including the installation of a first-order Fresnel lens in 1855. The lens was designed to project a powerful light visible for miles, aiding ships in avoiding the hazardous coastline. Boon Island Light has a fascinating history filled with tales of shipwrecks, storms, and isolated living conditions for its keepers. The island's remote location and challenging environment made life for the keepers arduous and often dangerous. In fact, it is said to be the site of one of the most infamous shipwreck stories in New England history, known as the "Boon Island Incident" in 1710, when a group of survivors endured starvation and cannibalism. Today, Boon Island Light is automated and no longer staffed by keepers. The original tower was replaced in 1855 by an iron skeletal tower, which still stands on the island. The light continues to serve as an active aid to navigation, warning ships of the dangerous submerged ledge that surrounds Boon Island. Due to its isolated and rocky location, visiting Boon Island itself is not recommended for the general public. However, the lighthouse and its surroundings can be admired from afar by boat tours or from nearby coastal areas.