52 Weeks of Fun

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Whitelocks Mill Lighthouse

Whitlocks Mill Lighthouse is on the south bank of the St. Croix River in Calais. It was the last built and northernmost lighthouse built in Maine.

In 1892 the U.S. Coast Guard arranged to have a local mill operator, Mr. Whitlock, place a red-lighted lantern on a post at this “dog leg” in the river because of the heavy traffic at that time. The original light was a lantern hung in the tree by the local miller after whom the station was named. Then, in 1909, the last lighthouse to be built in Maine was erected here, together with a keeper's house. The 25-foot tower was originally red, but it is now painted white.

In 1910, the present complex was built, including a Fourth Order Fresnel lens that was mounted in the lantern house. That lens is now on display at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland.

In 1969 the Whitlock Mills Lighthouse was automated, and the Fresnel lens was replaced with a standard 9.8 inches (250 mm) optic light. This is now a green flashing light known as Whitlock’s Light. In 2009, that optic was replaced with an LED VLB-44. In 1970, the station was leased to the Washington County Vocational Technical Institute, and eventually, the keeper's house and grounds passed into private hands. The Coast Guard has retained ownership of the light tower itself.

In 1997, the United States Coast Guard decided to relinquish ownership of all Maine lighthouses and award them to non-profit institutions in Maine for preservation. The St. Croix Historical Society applied to the selection committee and in January 1999, was awarded the property. The Coast Guard maintains its flashing green light. The society does not own the keeper's house as that part of the property is privately owned; however, the owners have agreed that with advance coordination, small groups may visit it. The current owners also graciously assist with the maintenance of the lighthouse and its bell tower.



A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Whitelocks Mill Lighthouse

Whitlocks Mill Lighthouse was not only the last built lighthouse in Maine, but the northernmost of all lighthouses in the state as well.

Attraction Advice

The light is located about 3 miles east of Calais. The lighthouse is located on private land, so visitors should plan to view the lighthouse from a rest area pull-out off of Route 1, or by a boat from the river. Occasionally, small group tours are allowed on the grounds. Check with the St. Croix Historical Society for information about these tours.




The Machias Seal Island Lighthouse also stands near the Canadian-U.S. border, but in Maine waters instead.

Visitors to Machias are also in the vicinity of the Little River Lighthouse.

The delta of the Machias River offers an occasional view of seals.

The Bad Little Falls of the Machias River are in downtown Machias.

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