Baker Island Light Station, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

The light station at Baker Island was established in 1828 as a guide to the south entrance to Frenchman Bay and Mount Desert Island. Its strategic location as a navigational aid is emphasized by the number of coastal communities in the vicinity as well as its role in guiding vessels along the coast between the lights at Saddleback Ledge to the southwest and Petit Manan to the northeast. It was the first light station established in the vicinity of Mount Desert Island. During the late nineteenth century the Baker Island Light guided the numerous vessels which came to Mount Desert bearing tourists for the resorts at Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and others

44.2414702

-68.1986231

Baker Island is listed on the Natonal Register of Historic Places within the Light Stations of Maine multiple property listing. Baker Island complex derives significance by its association with Maine's critical reliance on maritime transportation and the aids that made navigation possible, and by the station's distinctive character that primarily embodys mid­nineteenth century light station design and construction.

1911360

88000046

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).

Adapted by Southwest Harbor (ME) Public Library from "Mount Desert Island, Sorrento, Portions of Lamoine, Hancock and Frenchmans Bay and Adjacent Islands." (Colby and Stewart, 1887). Original map compiled and drawn fwith assitance by E.M. Hamor and Charles P. Simpson.