Two Bush Island Lighthouse

Two Bush Island Light, established in 1897, stands on a remote island at the southwestern entrance to Penobscot Bay, Maine. This 42-foot square brick tower was built to mark the entrance to Two Bush Channel, a vital passage for maritime traffic. The island’s name originates from two prominent bushes or trees that once served as natural day beacons for sailors; these have since vanished. 

Life on Two Bush Island was notably isolated and challenging for lighthouse keepers. A poignant tale from 1902 recounts how Keeper Altiverd Norton’s dog, Smut, alerted him to fishermen in distress during a storm. The dog’s persistent barking guided the stranded men to safety, highlighting the perils faced by mariners and the dedication of lighthouse personnel. 

The lighthouse was automated in 1964, leading to the removal of on-site keepers. In 1970, the U.S. Army Special Forces demolished the keeper’s house during a training exercise. The lighthouse transitioned to solar power in 2000 and continues to function as an active aid to navigation, emitting a white flash every five seconds, with a red sector, and a fog signal sounding every 15 seconds. 

Currently, the lighthouse is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of a protected wildlife refuge. Public access to the island is prohibited to preserve its natural habitat. However, the lighthouse can be viewed from the water, with boat tours available from nearby ports such as Port Clyde.