Mount Desert Rock Light

Mount Desert Rock Light, established in 1830, stands as Maine’s most remote lighthouse, perched on a barren granite island approximately 20 miles south of Mount Desert Island. The current 58-foot conical granite tower, constructed in 1847, replaced the original wooden structure to better withstand the harsh maritime environment. In 1858, a third-order Fresnel lens was installed, enhancing its navigational capabilities. The station was electrified in 1931 and automated in 1977, with the original lantern removed and later replaced by a replica in 1985. Today, the lighthouse operates with a VRB-25 system, emitting a white flash every 15 seconds, accompanied by a foghorn sounding two blasts every 30 seconds.

Currently owned by the College of the Atlantic, Mount Desert Rock serves as an ecological research station, particularly noted for studies on finback and humpback whales. The island is uninhabited and not open to the public, but the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, symbolizing resilience amidst the Atlantic’s formidable conditions.