Curtis Island Light, Camden Maine

Date added: August 07, 2024

Categories:
Maine
Lighthouse

Do you have an update on the current status of this structure? Please tell us about it in the comments below.

Curtis Island Light, or Negro Island Light, as it was called for one hundred years, was first built in 1836 under the presidency of Andrew Jackson. The light was built by George Gault of Boston and the first keeper was H. K. M. Bowers. Bowers stayed on until 1841 and since then many keepers have occupied the position.

The light station must have fallen into disrepair at some time for in 1896 it was ordered rebuilt by President Grover Cleveland.

For many years the island was a signal station for the Boston-Bangor boats, many of which stopped at Camden. This small island also served as a pleasure spot for many of Camden's residents and visitors as a favorite picnic area.

In 1934 the town of Camden honored one of its most distinguished summer residents, Mr. Cyrus H. K. Curtis, famous publisher and philanthropist.

The name of the island was changed from Negro Island to Curtis Island. Mr. Curtis was one of the island's many visitors each year. As a philanthropist, Mr. Curtis did much for the town of Camden so the citizens honored his name. His daughter, Mrs. Mary Louise Bok officiated at the dedication ceremony on August 6^th, 1934.

The island is a natural shelter for Camden Harbor in its function as a natural breakwater. It absorbs the fierce waves from the ocean while the harbor remains quite calm at all times.

Site Description

Curtis Island Light is located at the southern entrance to Camden Harbor. The island is approximately 4/5 of a mile from the town docking facility at Camden. The island itself is approximately 5½ acres with softwood dominating the foliage. The lighthouse is at the southern end of the island and the docking facility is at the northern end.

There are four structures on the island which are all part of the lighthouse facility. The light tower itself is of brick as is the small building housing the station's power supply. There is a tool shed or garage which is constructed of wood. The keeper's house is a 1½ story frame house also constructed of wood and sheathed in clapboards. These structures are all at the southern end of the island.

From the island, one has an excellent view of one of the most scenic areas in Maine. The harbor with the mountains in the background form perhaps the most perfect harbor in Maine.

Following the automation of the light by the Coast Guard, the station was closed as a manned lighthouse.