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lonely
lighthouse
The first Monhegan Lighthouse was built in 1824 but was a cheap and flimsy thing and was replaced by a stone tower in 1850. The lighthouse is historical significant because it was the last lighthouse designed by the famous lighthouse engineer and architect, Alexander Paris.
The lighthouse is 47 feet tall but since it sits on a hill the beacon is actually almost 180 feet above sea level, making it the second tallest in the state of Maine. It's made of rough granite and looks like it can survive just about anything. The lighthouse still has the huge fog bell next to it but a new fog signal was constructed on nearby Manana Island shortly after the lighthouse was constructed.
The lighthouse is easy to reach once you get out to the island and has a museum in the old keeper's building that is open during the summer. The lighthouse tower itself is usually closed but on occasion the museum opens it to the public.
The views from the top of the hill are wonderful and it's a great place to view the old Monhegan Cemetery, the wild ocean or just watch the fog roll through. A Lovely and simple lighthouse that is going to be around for a long, long time. read more