The Maine coast is rugged and jagged - with many inlets, dangerous reefs and complex shipping channels. There are nearly 70 lighthouses along the coast and rivers and at last count at least 50 were still operating.
Lighthouses are among the most romantic reminders of our country’s maritime heritage. Marking dangerous headlands, shoals, bars, and reefs, these structures played a vital role in indicating navigable waters and supporting this nation’s maritime transportation and commerce.
Lighthouse preservation is very strong in Maine, as evidenced by the large number of local preservation societies and trusts. The Maine Lights program, passed by Congress in 1996, led to the transfer of 28 lighthouses from the Coast Guard to local preservation groups or other agencies and served as a model for the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000.
Except for eight privately-owned towers, all but a handful of Maine’s lighthouses now have local support groups. In addition, two powerful national forces for lighthouse preservation, the American Lighthouse Foundation and the Lighthouse Digest, all are based in Maine.
For a synopsis of lighthouses throughout the state of Maine, visit the Directory of Maine Lighthouses which includes photos, maps and descriptions. Available online at our web site MaineHomeConnection.
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Posted by: Michael Sosnowski
Categories:
Maine Waterfront
Maine Outdoors
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