Cuckholds Lighthouse

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The Cuckholds Light

(off Southport Island, Maine)

The Cuckholds Light is located on a small island about a mile off the tip of Southport Island and marks the entrance to Boothbay Harbor. It was one of the last lighthouses to be built along the Maine coast.

Initially, in 1892, just a fog signal station with a steam-driven Daboll fog trumpet was installed and a keeper’s dwelling was built. Ten years later, in 1902 the fog trumpet was replaced by a newer oil-powered fog signal. Wrecks, however, continued to occur in the area and the mariners patitioned the government to install a lighthouse. In 1907 the fog station was modified to include a small light tower on its roof, 59 feet above sea level, and a two-story keeper’s dwelling was attached. The light included a American-made fourth order Fresnel lens that was manufactured by the MacBeth Glass Company of Pittsburgh. The lens is now on display at the Shore Village Museum in Rockland, Maine.

In 1975 the Cuckholds light was automated. In 1978, the big Nor’easter destroyed the keeper’s dwelling, the boat ramp, and outbuildings, leaving only the signal station on light tower. The light is currently an active aid to navigation and emits a white flashing light that can be seen for approximately 12 nautical miles.

The light is best viewed from the water. Several cruises are available from Boothbay Harbor. The Maine Maritime Museum also offers lighthouse cruises that pass by The Cuckholds Light.

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All pictures are the original work of Rick Totton and are protected under copyright laws.

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