Nubble Lighthouse, York, Maine Weather Cams
Nubble Lighthouse Cam
Nubble Lighthouse: A Beacon of Maine’s Maritime Heritage
Nubble Lighthouse, Maine Weather Cams. Nubble Lighthouse, officially known as Cape Neddick Light, is one of Maine’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a rocky island just off the coast of York, this picturesque lighthouse has guided mariners since 1879 and remains a beloved symbol of New England’s maritime history.
Early Calls for a Lighthouse
The need for a lighthouse at Cape Neddick was first proposed in 1837, but it took several decades before Congress approved funding. In 1874, Congress allocated $15,000 for the construction of a lighthouse on the Nubble, a small rocky island about 100 yards off the coast.
Construction began in 1879, and the lighthouse was officially dedicated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service. The tower was built using cast iron plates lined with brick, standing 41 feet tall, though its light sits 88 feet above sea level due to the island’s elevation.
The Lighthouse’s Role in Maritime Safety
The lighthouse originally housed a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which emitted a fixed red light to warn ships of the rocky coastline. Over the years, the light’s characteristic changed, and today, it operates as an isophase red light, flashing every 5 seconds.
A fog bell was installed to aid navigation during poor visibility, later replaced by a diaphragm horn. The lighthouse was automated in 1987, eliminating the need for a full-time keeper.
The Keepers and Their Stories
The first lighthouse keeper was Nathaniel Otterson, followed by Brackett Lewis, who served from 1885 to 1904, the longest tenure of any keeper at the Nubble.
One of the most famous stories involves keeper David Winchester, who used the lighthouse’s cable pulley system to transport his child to school on the mainland in the 1960s.
Nubble Lighthouse in Popular Culture
Nubble Lighthouse has been featured in films, postcards, and artwork. It was even included on the Voyager Golden Record, sent into space aboard the Voyager spacecraft as one of Earth’s most recognizable landmarks.
Preservation and Public Access
Although the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, visitors can view it from Sohier Park, which offers stunning views and a telescope for closer observation. The York Parks and Recreation Department maintains the site, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Looking Ahead
Today, Nubble Lighthouse remains a cherished symbol of Maine’s coastal heritage. Whether admired from afar or captured in photographs, it continues to inspire visitors with its enduring beauty and historical significance.
For more information, visit the Nubble Lighthouse, Maine official website.