Two Haunted Lighthouses in Maine
Nestled along the rugged coastline off York, Maine, against the Atlantic Ocean, the Nubble Lighthouse, officially known as the Cape Neddick Light Station, stands as a beacon of maritime history and ghostly lore. Perched atop a small rocky island (a rocky island is called a “nubble”), in Sohier Park, this iconic structure has captivated visitors, who can explore the lighthouse grounds, with its stunning views and mysterious tales for over a century. Sohier Park features picnic areas, scenic overlooks, guided tours, and grassy knolls perfect for kite flying or soaking in the coastal ambiance. Children can explore tide pools teaming with marine life or try their hand at spotting seals sunbathing on nearby rocks.
During the summer months, guided tours of the Cape Neddick Lighthouse are available, allowing visitors to climb the steps to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. Special events, such as sunset tours, photography workshops, and historical reenactments, offer unique opportunities to experience the lighthouse in a new light. There are also nearby shops and eateries. Vendors offer a variety of souvenirs,including lighthouse-themed merchandise, handmade crafts,and freshly caught seafood.
Beyond a picturesque exterior of the huge, old; historical, nightly illuminated or foggy;misty day illuminated building lies a darker narrative—a tale of hauntings, unexplained phenomena, and restless spirits. The Nubble Lighthouse, was first illuminated on July 1, 1879. Its purpose was to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters off the coast of York, Maine. The lighthouse, constructed of cast iron and brick, stands 41 feet tall and emits a distinctive white flash every six seconds.
Over the years, the structure has weathered countless storms and witnessed significant historical events, including both World Wars. Despite its remote location, it has become one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, attracting tourists and maritime enthusiasts from around the world. However, behind its picturesque facade lies a series of eerie legends that have fueled speculation about supernatural occurrences at the Nubble Lighthouse. Locals and visitors alike have reported sightings of ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and inexplicable phenomena. One of the most enduring legends involves the ghost of a former lighthouse keeper named Joshua Card. According to local lore, Card tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue a group of stranded sailors during a fierce storm. Some claim to have seen his spectral figure wandering the grounds of the lighthouse, carrying a lantern and searching for lost souls.
Another chilling tale involves the ghost of a young girl named Emily, who is said to haunt the lighthouse and its surrounding cliffs. Legend has it that Emily was the daughter of a keeper who lived on the island in the late 19th century. She fell to her death from the cliffs while playing near the edge, and her restless spirit is said to linger, her laughter echoing in the sea breeze. Over the years, numerous visitors have reported eerie experiences that they cannot explain. Some claim to have heard disembodied voices or footsteps echoing through the empty corridors, while others have captured mysterious orbs or apparitions in photographs taken on the island.
One particularly compelling account comes from a group of paranormal investigators who visited the lighthouse in the dead of night. Armed with cameras and recording equipment, they set out to uncover evidence of supernatural activity. What they captured on film—a shadowy figure moving across the lens, accompanied by a chilling whisper—has left many convinced of the lighthouse’s haunted reputation.
The Nubble Lighthouse stands as a testament to both the enduring beauty of Maine’s coastline and the power of human imagination. Whether one believes in the tales of hauntings and ghostly apparitions or not, there is no denying the allure of this iconic landmark. As the waves crash against the rocky shores and the light from the tower casts its beam into the darkness, the mystery of the Nubble Lighthouse endures, shrouded in legend and lore. The allure of the supernatural continues to draw visitors to Sohier Park, eager to experience the mystery for themselves.
We shall now talk about the Boon Island Lighthouse. Boon Island is a 300 foot by 700 foot (91 meters X 213 meters) island off the southern coast of Maine, near Cape Neddick.
The wreck of a newly built three masted barque called the Iasadore, often spelled as “Isidore”, is an event shrouded in maritime tragedy and the unforgiving forces of nature, unfolded on a fateful November 30th Thanksgiving Night in 1842. Led by Captain Leander Foss, the ship was sailing through the treacherous waters off the coast of Maine, unaware of the impending doom that awaited them.
As the vessel approached the rugged coastline, ominous clouds gathered overhead, hinting at the impending storm. Despite the crew’s best efforts to navigate the perilous waters, they found themselves at the mercy of the tempestuous sea. The wind howled and the waves surged, tossing the ship like a mere toy amidst the vast expanse of the ocean.
The Boon Island Lighthouse, six miles near the ship, stood sentinel over the tumultuous scene, its beacon of light piercing through the darkness, offering a glimmer of hope to sailors lost at sea. However, even the guiding light of the lighthouse could not avert disaster on this fateful night.
In the midst of a raging freezing,blinding snowstorm, the Isadore sailed toward Avery’s Cove, an underwater ledge located near a short distance from Cape Neddick Island,where it crashed. The doomed ship foundered upon the unforgiving rocks lurking beneath the surface. The hull of the ship splintered, and the sound of timber cracking echoed through the night air. Panic ensued among the crew as they realized the gravity of their situation.
Despite the valiant efforts of Captain Foss and his crew, the relentless fury of the sea proved insurmountable. The Iasadore was engulfed by the icy waters, its cargo lost to the depths below. In the wake of the tragedy, the coastline was strewn with debris and the cries of those who perished in the wreck haunted the shores for days to come. All fifthteen crew members were killed.
The wreck of the Iasadore off Bald Head Cliff in York, Maine serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of the ocean and the unpredictable forces of nature that govern the maritime world. Even in the face of adversity, the resilience of the human spirit endures, as sailors continue to brave the seas in search of new horizons, guided by the unwavering light of beacons like the Cape Neddick Lighthouse. The tragic events that befell the vessel that stormy night left an indelible mark on the collective memory of sailors and locals alike, as whispers of spectral apparitions and eerie phenomena continue to haunt the waters off the coast of Maine.
Legend has it that the restless spirits of those who perished aboard the Iasadore still roam the coastline, their anguished cries echoing through the mist-shrouded air on stormy nights. Sailors passing by the site of the wreck have reported strange occurrences, from inexplicable cold drafts to ghostly apparitions that vanish as quickly as they appear. Mainers still claim to see the ghost ship sailing on quiet nights near the area where it perished until it is moves lowly out of sight. Other people, as hotel guests and shore line inn tourists, without knowing about the Isidore, claim to see a ” faint phantom ship” sailing on the ocean.
Among the most chilling accounts is the sighting of a mysterious; eerie ship, its tattered sails billowing in the wind as it navigates the treacherous waters near the Cape Neddick Lighthouse. Some claim to have heard the mournful wails of the crew carried on the howling winds, a haunting reminder of the tragedy that unfolded over one and a half centuries ago.
Others speak of encounters with spectral figures wandering the shoreline, their faces twisted in agony as they search for peace in the afterlife. It is said that the ghosts of Captain Bassett and his crew still linger near the site of the wreck, unable to find rest until their souls are avenged or their final resting place discovered.
Despite the passage of time, the haunting of the Iasadore continues to captivate the imagination of those who dare to venture into the waters off the coast of Maine. Whether fueled by superstition or genuine belief in the supernatural, the legend serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring legacy of those who have been lost at sea. And as the Cape Neddick Lighthouse stands sentinel over the rocky coastline, its beacon of light pierces through the darkness, illuminating the shadows of the past and guiding sailors safely home.
Various paranormal researching groups with scientific equipment, over the years, have conducted in depth investigations of these light houses. A certain degree of success was reported by various teams. On certain articles on the internet you can read about their results. On Youtube, there are videos that can be seen and heard on such psychic; spiritualistic mediumistic examinations; studies at the lighthouses.
Conclusion: From their breathtaking scenery, long history and vibrant community spirit, these two Lighthouses offer unforgettable tourism experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection to Maine’s maritime heritage, a visit to these iconic landmarks promises memories that will last a lifetime. As the waves crash against the rocky shores and the light from each of the towers casts its beam into the darkness, the enchantment of the Lighthouse continues to captivate and inspire all who journey to their shores.
