Rockport Harbor was a center for shipbuilding and the export of lime in the mid-1800s. Indian Island, at the east entrance to the harbor, was named because local Native Americans took refuge there during the French and Indian War. The island was sold to the U.S. government for a light station by Silas Piper for $25 in 1849, and Congress appropriated $3,500 for a lighthouse.
Established in 1850, the first lighthouse consisted of a lantern mounted on the roof of the keeper's house. The light was discontinued in 1859, but it was reactivated and a new lighthouse tower was built in 1875 for $9,000. The station consists of a square brick tower attached to the original 1 1/2-story T-shaped keeper's house.
Indian Island Light was discontinued in 1934 and replaced by an automatic light on nearby Lowell Rock. The lighthouse property has been privately owned ever since.
Directions: In Rockport at the intersection of U.S. 1and ME 90, turn east onto West Street. Continue to Pascals Avenue and turn left, crossing the Goose River Bridge. Turn around a recross the bridge bearing left into the Rockport Marine Park. The beautifully maintained lighthouse can be seen from there and other spots on shore, but it is best viewed from schooners and other excusion boats out of Rockport and Camden.
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