Ram Island Lighthouse
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Built in 1883
Location:
On Ram Island, just outside of Boothbay Harbor. Access to the island by the public is closed.
Latitude: 43° 48' 14" N
Longitude: 69° 35' 58" W
Historic Stories:
In 1837, Congress appropriated funds for constructing a lighthouse on Ram Island. However, Captain Joseph Smith of the U.S. Navy declared that building a beacon on Ram Island was unnecessary, as the area had enough lighthouses. The funding was halted until 1883, despite the objections of many local mariners who considered the area essential for a functioning light.
Years before the lighthouse was built, a local lobsterman and three local fisherman after him at various self appointments in the 1800’s, took it upon themselves to tend a series of home built lanterns that they would set up on the island to emit a strong continuous light source for mariners. When the last man stopped tending the lantern, there were many stories of the "woman in white" apparition being seen on the island guiding mariners away from the rocks for years afterwards.
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Finally, in 1883, the Ram Island Lighthouse and a keeper’s house was built. |
Early Ram Island Light |
In 1903 a boat ran into the walkway leading to the lighthouse and destroyed it. It was soon rebuilt afterwards.
During the local fear of German U-boats in World War II, in early 1945, newly employed keeper Ralph Norwood was rowing to the mainland with his two sons when he was greeted by men on the shore armed with loaded shotguns. Turned out a nervous local had observed the rowboat and did not recognize the keeper and his sons, so she called the police and FBI to report that German spies were coming ashore.
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The light was automated in 1965 but fierce storms over the years would destroy the walkway again. |
In late 2002, the Ram Island Preservation Society restored the house and reconstructed the walkway from the shore to the lighthouse tower.
Places to Visit Nearby:
There are various tours that pass by the lighthouse out of Boothbay harbor. The Maine Maritime Museum also provides tours out of Bath to the area.
| Boothbay Harbor was originally a fishing and shipbuilding village, and it still operates the same way today. |  |
If you look around you'll find lots of tiny places like small eateries, coffee shops, etc, that look like you're visiting someone's home.
Ram Island Light can be viewed from a short distance off scenic Ocean Point from Route 27.
Throughout the Boothbay region penninsula, you'll find more than 30 miles of trails that include woodlands, wetlands, salt marshes, islands, and historical sites.
Driving Directions for a Distant View
You can reach Boothbay Harbor along Route 27 from Route 1. Take a left on Route 96 from Route 27 in Boothbay and follow it for about 10 miles to the end and you'll be treated to a special area referred to as Ocean Point, where you'll find yourself driving along the edge of the shoreline with Ram Island Lighthouse a short distant view away.
Contact Info:
Ram Island Preservation Society
P.O. Box 123
Boothbay, Maine 04537
Local Boat Tours
Boat cruises mentioned below offer many types of cruises. All offer specific lighthouse cruises that pass by Ram Island Lighthouse, and may also pass by the lighthouse during narrated wildlife and historic tours, whale watching adventures, fishing tours, and other types of excursions.
Maine Maritime Museum
Frequent lighthouse tours along the Kennebec River and Boothbay Harbor
243 Washington Street
Bath, ME 04530
Phone: (207) 443-1316
Fax: (207) 443-1665
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 all kinds of lighthouse excursions.
River Run Tours, Inc.
28 Walnut Point
Woolwich, Maine 04578
(207) 504-BOAT(2628)
Balmy Days Cruises
Offers special lighthouse tours. Provides special 3-hr lighthouse tour to Burnt Island, including inside Burnt island lighthouse. Special cruise to Monhegan Island as well.
Pier 8
42 Commercial St.
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
(207) 633-2284 or
(800) 298-2284
info@balmydayscruises.com
Hardy Boat Cruises
They provide ferry services out to Monhegan Island. They provide a special July 4th fireworks cruise than includes views of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and Ram Island Lighthouse. They offer a puffin cruise, and a nature and seal watching cruise that includes going out to Franklin Island Lighthouse.
PO Box 326
New harbor, Maine 04554
1-800-2-PUFFIN
(207) 677-2026
Schooner Eastwind and Schooner Applejack
Both schooner sailing vessels offer predominently 2-hour day sails, sunset sails, or private charter adventures on Boothbay Harbor’s oldest windjammers. Sails include wildlife, sunset, and local lighthouses around Boothbay Harbor.
Pier Six
20 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Email: info@boothbaysailing.com
Phone: (207) 633-6598
Maine Experience Guide Service
For those who prefer private chartered tours, join Captain Jay Farris and his crew as they provide personal lighthouse tours in the Boothbay region and along the Kennebec River. There is also an extended tour of eleven lighthouses, where you can view Ram 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
Books to Explore
Lighthouses and Coastal Attractions of Northern New England: This lighthouse tourism book showcases human interest stories from each of the 76 lighthouses along the northern New England coast, along with plenty of attractions and tours near each beacon. Look inside! |
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This book is available in paperback, hardcover, and as an eBook for all devices.
Enjoy a 10% discount on the hardcover version. Printed and distributed globally by IngramSpark. |
The Rise and Demise of the Largest Sailing Ships: In the early 1900s, New England shipbuilders constructed the world’s largest sailing ships amid social and political reforms. These giants of sail were built to carry massive quantities of coal and building supplies and measured longer than a football field! These true stories include competitions, accidents, battling destructive storms, acts of heroism, and their final voyages. |
