Monhegan Island, 10 miles off the coast of Maine, today is a picturesque summer haven for artists and vacationers. By the time the island was visited by Samuel de Champlain, Captain John Smith, Bartholomew Gosnold and other explorers, it had already been an outpost for many European fishermen. Some believe the Vikings visited the area around 1,000 A.D. and left carvings on the rocks of nearby Manana Island. Others believe the strange engravings were made much earlier.

For many voyagers coming across the Atlantic, Monhegan Island was the first sight of land. By the early 19th century trade in the area was increasing, and in 1824 President James Monroe authorized the building of a lighthouse on Monhegan's highest point for $3,000. Monhegan Island Light is considered a primary seacoast light.

The first Monhegan Island Light was a granite tower with a wooden keeper's house. After much damage from storms the lighthouse was rebuilt in 1850. The 48-foot granite tower built that year still stands. It is very similar to the lighthouse on Whitehead Island, built about the same time. A new two story keeper's house was built in 1874.

In 1856 the original 10 lamps and reflectors were replaced by a powerful second order Fresnel lens. With its light 178 feet above sea level, Monhegan Island Light is the second-highest light in Maine (after Seguin Island).

The Monhegan Historical and Cultural Museum Association has reconstructed the 1857 assistant keeper's house to serve as a museum for their art collection. It is the first time a keeper's house has been reconstructed in Maine.

Monhegan Island Light was converted to solar power in 1995 and is still an active aid to navigation.

Directions: Monhegan Island can be reached by ferry from Port Clyde, New Harbor or Boothbay Harbor. Reaching the lighthouse requires a moderate uphill walk.