Pond Island Lighthouse
Georgetown, Maine
Built in 1821
Location:
Pond Island, near the mouth of the Kennebec River, just offshore from Popham Beach. Can be viewed from the beach or from various boat tours.
Latitude: 43° 44' 24" N
Longitude: 69° 46' 12" W
Historic Stories:
As with most cases with the early lighthouses, construction was awarded to the lowest bidder, who usually cut costs. Pond Island Lighthouse was no exception and the original beacon lasted only until 1835. Water was also lacking, as many times keepers needed to get water from the mainland during frequent dry weather. A cistern was finally built after many pleas from keepers.
In November 1849, the vessel Hanover, was caught in a fierce storm near Pond Island lighthouse. As the captain was trying to get around Pond Island to a safer spot inland along the Kennebec River, the ship ran into a bar off nearby Wood Island and soon sank with all 24 crewmen on board. Only a dog survived.
A ferocious storm caused widespread damage from Portland to Bath on September 8, 1869.
| The fog bell tower and the striking mechanism were destroyed, and the following year the bell was replaced with a new 1,200-pound bell. | 
Pond Island Light (1855) |
Isaac Morrison became keeper in 1889, and was a well-known fiddle player. As word got around about the keeper’s talents, a young resident who leaved nearby, Hiram Stevens, would row out to the lighthouse for weekly lessons from the obliging keeper. Stevens later became a successful composer and had several pieces performed by John Philip Souza's band. Morrison was keeper until 1903, when he suffered a stroke and had to be retired.
Today, the island is now managed as a wildlife bird refuge for roseate terns, common terns, and eiders by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Places to Visit Nearby:
Although best viewed by boat, visitors can view the lighthouse from Popham Beach at the end of Route 209. If you happen to arrive at the village during low tide you can walk out about 3/4 of a mile from the beach onto Fox Island, climb up the rock hill and get an even closer view of the lighthouse and another view of Sequin Island Light.
| There's plenty of room to walk the miles of pristine crescent beaches, and at low tide. |  |
Nearby you can also explore Fort Popham and Fort Baldwin. When you climb the tower at Fort Baldwin, you can get a full view of the area.
There are tour boats you can take out of Popham Beach to cruise around the islands. The Maine Maritime Museum offers educational programs, lighthouse and nature tours, with plenty of maritime artifacts that go back over 400 years to explore. You may also find boat tours out of Boothbay Harbor that may pass by the lighthouse.
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Fish ‘N Trips provides ferry service daily during the summer season for visitors to Seguin Island. |
Depending on weather, visitors may also be provided with close views of Pond Island light on the way to and from Sequin Island.
Reid State Park in Georgetown, is a family beach and used by naturalists especially for birding.
Driving Directions for Distant View
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From US Route 1 in Bath follow Route 209 South all the way past Popham State Park to the end to the village of Popham Beach.
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There you can take a short walk to the beach especially during low tide where you'll find a clear view Pond Island.
Contact Info:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 279
Milbridge, ME 04658
Local Boat Tours
While some some boat tours may offer specific lighthouse cruises that pass by Pond Island Lighthouse, some will pass by the lighthouse on special charters, narrated wildlife and historic tours, and other types of excursions.
Maine Maritime Museum
Various lighthouse, nature, and Bath shipyard tours along the Kennebec River. Lots of historical exhibits, events, and workshops at the museum.
243 Washington Street
Bath, ME 04530
Phone: (207) 443-1316
Fax: (207) 443-1665
Fish ‘N Trips
Provides ferry service to Seguin Island, fishing trips, and special charters. May pass by Pond Island light on route.
P.O. Box 150
Phippsburg, ME 04562
207-841-7977
CaptEthan@fishntripsmaine.com
Cap'n Fish's Whale Watch and Scenic Nature Cruises
Includes lighthouses along the Kennebec River and Boothbay Harbor.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
(207)-633-3244
(207)-633-2626
Or toll free 1-800-636-3244
River Run Tours
Chartered pontoon boat for lighthouse excursions. Enjoy a relaxed schedule and really get a chance to view the lighthouses and wildlife.
River Run Tours, Inc.
28 Walnut Point
Woolwich, Maine 04578
(207) 504-BOAT(2628)
Maine Experience Guide Service
For those who prefer private chartered tours, join Captain Jay Farris and his crew as they provide personal lighthouse tours to nine lighthouses in the Boothbay and Kennebec River regions, with an extended tour of 11 lighthouses, depending on weather conditions and time constraints. One of these you can view is Pond Island Light. You can view these beacons by boat, or hike to some.
Captain Jay Farris
23 Commercial St.
Bath ME 04530
Phone: (207) 215-3828
My 300-page book (with over 360 images), Lighthouses and Coastal Attractions of Northern New England: New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, provides human interest stories from each of the 76 lighthouses, along with plenty of coastal attractions and tours near each beacon, and contact info to plan your special vacation. Look inside! |
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