Bass Harbor Head Light Station, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

Standing on a bold rock ledge, Bass Harbor Head Light Station consists of a circular brick tower connected to a one-and-a-half-story frame keeper's quarters. Detached from the tower is a small rectangular bell house, an oil house and a barn.

Significant Dates

1858

Historical Context

The light station at Bass Harbor Head was established in 1858 during a period of increased effort by the Federal government to provide aids to navigation along the coast. Its location at this site was designed to aid vessels coming into Bass Harbor, a small fishing village located to the northwest of the light. The station, was automated in 1974.

Latitude (decimal)

44.2217477

Longitude (decimal)

-68.3375168

Statement of Significance

Listed on the Natonal Register within the Light Stations of Maine multiple property listing. Bass Harbor Head Light Station retains integrity of design, setting and association, and meets the requirements for registration as set forth in the multiple property submission ’’Light Stations of Maine”. Its significance is described with respect to the associated historic contexts Maritime Transportation in Maine: ca. 1600-1917 and FederalLighthouse Management: 1789-1939

Authority

U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS). “Archive database of 2021” at U.S. Geographic Information Names System (GNIS) (https://www.usgs.gov/us-board-on-geographic-names/download-gnis-data : accessed 31 May 2024).

Web Resource2

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/88684897