West Quoddy Head Light, with its distinctive red-and-white striped tower, is one of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses. Located at the easternmost point of the contiguous United States in Lubec, Maine, it has been guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine since 1808.
History of West Quoddy Head Light
Authorized by Congress in 1806 and commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, West Quoddy Head Light was first established on April 21, 1808, at a cost of $5,000. It was one of the earliest lighthouses in the young United States and the first east of Penobscot Bay, built to aid navigation in the frequently foggy and dangerous waters of the Quoddy Narrows. The first keeper, Thomas Dexter, lit a wooden tower equipped with a sperm whale oil lamp.
The lighthouse has been rebuilt twice. In 1830, the deteriorating wooden tower was replaced with a 49-foot rubblestone tower (first lit in 1831), but its rubble construction was prone to leaking and freezing. The current 49-foot brick tower was completed and lit in 1858, painted with its now-iconic red-and-white horizontal stripes to serve as a daymark visible against fog and snow. The light evolved from sperm whale oil to lard oil, then kerosene in the 1880s, and finally electricity around the turn of the 20th century.
The station’s first fog signal, a 500-pound bell, was authorized by Congress in 1820, making it one of the nation’s earliest fog signals. West Quoddy Head Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 4, 1980, and was honored with its own 25-cent U.S. Postal Service stamp in 1990. Maine acquired most of the surrounding land in 1962, establishing what is now Quoddy Head State Park. The lighthouse was automated in 1988, with Malcolm Rouse serving as its last keeper. Today, the tower remains an active aid to navigation maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, while the State of Maine manages the surrounding park.
West Quoddy Head Light Architecture and Design
West Quoddy Head Light is instantly recognizable due to its bold red-and-white striped tower, which stands 49 feet tall and rises to a focal plane 83 feet above sea level. The brick tower features fifteen distinctive horizontal stripes that serve as a daymark, making the lighthouse identifiable in fog, haze, and snow. Inside the lantern room is the original third-order Fresnel lens, the only third-order Fresnel still in active use on the Maine coast and one of only eight remaining Fresnel lenses on Maine lighthouses. The lens produces two white flashes every 15 seconds, with 35,000 candlepower visible up to 18 nautical miles.
The adjacent 1858 wood-frame keeper’s house, designed in concert with the tower, normally serves as the visitor center and museum operated by the West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association. Together, the tower, keeper’s house, and outbuildings make this one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England.
Location and Surroundings
Situated within Quoddy Head State Park, West Quoddy Head Light offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy, Grand Manan Island, and the rugged Maine coastline. The park features scenic hiking trails, coastal cliffs, and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including seals, seabirds, and even whales. The area’s unique geography and proximity to the Canadian border make it a fascinating destination for visitors.
Visiting West Quoddy Head Light
Visitors to West Quoddy Head Light can explore the lighthouse grounds and enjoy the surrounding 541-acre Quoddy Head State Park. The area is especially popular for sunrise viewings, given its status as the easternmost lighthouse in the United States. Important note for 2026 visitors: the visitor center inside the keeper’s house is currently closed for restoration and is expected to remain closed through the 2026 season. The West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association has opened a pop-up shop at 32 Water Street in downtown Lubec for the 2026 season as an alternative.
Getting There
West Quoddy Head Light is located in Lubec, Maine. From Route 1, take Route 189 into Lubec, then follow signs to Quoddy Head State Park. A parking area near the lighthouse provides easy access to the site.
Visiting Hours
Quoddy Head State Park is open during the official park season (typically Memorial Day weekend through mid-October), with the gate manned for entry fee collection. Off-season, the gate is typically open for free walk-in access (vehicles must park outside the gate). The visitor center inside the keeper’s house is currently closed for restoration through the 2026 season. Tower tours, when offered, are typically reserved for Maine Open Lighthouse Day (second Saturday of September), the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Celebration in July, and National Lighthouse Day. The pop-up shop in downtown Lubec is open during summer weekends.
Admission
There is no admission fee to visit West Quoddy Head Light, though there may be a small fee for entry into Quoddy Head State Park. The West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Visitor Center accepts donations to maintain their mission of preserving the light’s history.
Guided Tours
Though the lighthouse tower itself is no longer open for public tours, the visitor center offers educational exhibits, and occasional guided programs are available during the summer months.
Visitor Guidelines
- Stay on designated trails to protect the fragile coastal environment.
- Climbing the lighthouse tower is not permitted.
- Be cautious near the cliffs and rocky shoreline.
- Respect park regulations to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Notable Recognition
West Quoddy Head Light has earned its place among America’s most distinctive lighthouses:
- U.S. Postal Service Stamp (1990): Featured on a 25-cent commemorative stamp.
- National Register of Historic Places (1980): Listed on July 4, 1980 (Independence Day), recognizing its architectural and historical significance.
- Easternmost Lighthouse: The easternmost lighthouse in the contiguous United States. A granite marker dedicated in July 2005 by the West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association marks the easternmost point of the U.S.A.
- Distinctive Stripes: One of America’s most distinctive striped lighthouses, with fifteen alternating red-and-white horizontal bands.
- Rare Optic: Houses the only third-order Fresnel lens still in active use on the Maine coast.
Plan Your Visit
A visit to West Quoddy Head Light is a journey to one of the most scenic and historically significant locations on the Maine coast. Whether exploring the rugged landscape, learning about maritime history, or capturing the iconic lighthouse in photographs, this destination offers a memorable experience for all who visit.