Friendly Edifices: Piscataqua Lighthouses and Other Aids to Navigation 1771 - 1939

The five lighthouses of the Piscataqua region of New Hampshire and Maine are among the most admired structures of their type in America. Nubble Light in York, Maine is perhaps the most photographed light in the world. Boon Island Light, just offshore from Nubble, captivated readers of Kenneth Roberts’ tale of shipwreck and cannibalism in the early 1700’s.

            American impressionist Childe Hassam painted White Island Light at the Isle of Shoals numerous times. New Castle’s Fort Constitution Light dates back to the time of John Wentworth, New Hampshire’s last royal governor. Just off shore is Whale’s Back, the first light to greet ships coming up the Piscataqua River.

            For author Jane Porter, these tales of tragedy, beauty and intrigue are only the tip of the story that begins with politicians and building contractors and continues with the lighthouse keepers and their families. The construction of a lighthouse is not a simple matter. In addition to being able to project a warning light, the structure must be able to withstand the foul coastal weather, especially here where the North Atlantic bring crashing waves and strong winds.

            In addition to extensive details about lighthouse construction, maintenance and operation, the author also discusses the design and placement of various aids to navigation, such as the river and ocean buoys that protect mariners from hidden rocks and ledges, fog signals and breakwaters that created safe harbors.