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Saddleback Ledge Light
This light sits atop a rock ledge and is on of the most
barren remote areas of all of Maine lighthouses.
Located between Vinalhaven and Isle au Haut
at the southern end of Isles au Haut bay.
Established in 1839, the 42 foot granite tower still stands.
The keepers quarters were located inside the tower and
later an equipment and boathouse were added and
a fourth order Fresnel lens installed in 1856.
Since the island was barren with no soil the
keepers would bring soil in from the mainland
to sustain a small flower/vegetable garden,
but the soil was swept away by the first winter storms.
Landing at this station was very difficult so in 1885,
a derrick with a swinging arm holding
a bosun's chair was built.
A cumbersome and ungainly contraption it was used by
keepers and visitors for many years to access the island.
The light automated in 1954, the Fresnel lens replaced by
a modern optic and the attched building
demolished by the Coast Guard.
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