Location Lubec, Maine Automated 1968 Characteristic Fl W 6s Range 11,112 m Focal height 16 m Nearest city Lubec | Year first constructed 1890 Tower shape Conical Tower Opened 1890 Current lens length 15 cm Added to NRHP 14 March 1988 | |
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Markings / pattern White tower on black pier Similar Libby Island Light, Moose Peak Light, Whitlocks Mill Light, Prospect Harbor Point Light, Nash Island Light | ||
Lubec Channel Light is a sparkplug lighthouse in Lubec, Maine. Established in 1890, it is one of three surviving sparkplug lights in the state, and served as an important aid to navigation on the St. Croix River It is set in shallow waters in the Lubec Channel, about 500 feet (150 m) from the Canada–United States border. The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Lubec Channel Light Station on March 14, 1988. The lighthouse was sold by auction into private hands on 2007.
Description and history
The town of Lubec is located in far eastern Maine, standing across the international border from Canada's Campobello Island. The St. Croix River passes between the two, which are joined by the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge. South of the bridge lies a shallow bay, which opens into the Gulf of Maine after passing West Quoddy Head Light. In the 1880s a channel was dredged through the shallows to facilitate seagoing commerce from the port communities of Lubec, Eastport and Calais, all located on the river. An 1883 report recommended installation of a light on the channel to aid navigation, funding was authorized in 1888, and the light went into operation in 1890. It was automated in 1939.
The light is set to on the west side of the channel, and is mounted on a concrete foundation set in the muddy river bottom. Its lower stage is a cast-iron round base, which flares out to support a wide deck. Originally sheltered by a shed roof, this deck is now exposed. The tower's second stage rises above, with a railing around its top, and a narrow third stage which supports the lantern house, also surrounded by a deck and railing. The lantern house is crowned by a spherical ventilator. The lantern stands 53 feet (16 m) above Mean High Water.