In 1856 the Lighthouse Board decided to upgrade the lighthouse optic to a 4th Order Fresnel lens.  The lantern was replaced at this time.
The lighthouse went into service in November 1821 exhibiting a fixed white light 61 feet above sea level.  The first lighthouse keeper was a man named ‘Marr’ who served until 1830.  I wonder if he may have been related to the Marr’s who tended the nearby Hendricks Head Light in later years.
Construction began on a 30 foot conical tower made of local rubblestone and lined with brick.  The tower was topped with a 7 foot iron lantern equipped with 10 Lewis oil lamps with reflectors.
Old postcard view of the Burnt Island Lighthouse
**1880 Boathouse**
The ‘Burnt Island Living Lighthouse’ program has been a great success and offers a unique experience to people interested in lighthouse history.
**Interior of the Keepers House**
In 1998 ownership of the light station was transferred from the Coast Guard to the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) under the Maine Lights Program.  The lighthouse was restored under the supervision of Elaine Jones who became the Director of the station under the DMR.
Ruby Tailed Wasp investigates charred log
Ruby Tailed Wasp investigates charred log
Ruby Tailed Wasp investigates charred log
Ruby Tailed Wasp investigates charred log
See photo in original gallery.