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decommissioned the beacon sometime between 1859 and 1870 due to a supposed
lack of maritime traffic utilizing the harbor area as a safe refuge, but by
May 15, 1870, the lighthouse was placed back into service. The original
granite lighthouse was replaced by a new 38-foot tall wooden lighthouse in
1891, which was outfitted with a Fifth order Fresnel lens. The tenure of the
lighthouse as a manned station lasted only 43 years before the beacon was
automated in 1934. The light’s last keeper – John Workman,
remained at the light station following the station’s
automation until 1953. The classical lens was removed from the
lighthouse in 1951. The U.S. Navy owns the former lightkeeper’s dwelling
and outbuildings – all except for the light tower, which is owned by the
U.S. Coast Guard. The American Lighthouse Foundation led the way to
saving the historic beacon from imminent collapse in 2004 when critical
restoration was applied to the lantern and gallery.
– (Information courtesy of ALF Historian Jeremy
D'Entremont)
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