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Whaleback Ledge Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇺🇸Southern Maine, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Whaleback Ledge Lighthouse

Also known as: Whaleback Light

The Whaleback Ledge lighthouse, built in 1872, stands 15 meters tall on a rocky outcrop. Its focal plane reaches 18 meters above sea level. The white tower emits a single white flash, visible for 11 nautical miles. This light marks the entrance to the Piscataqua River in southern Maine. It is an active aid to navigation.

Why it matters: This lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, recognizing its historical significance.

Background
Whaleback Light is a historic lighthouse marking the mouth of the Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine. It is located on a rocky outcrop offshore southwest of Fort Foster and south of Wood Island in Kittery. The present tower was built in 1872. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1872
Heritage Status
2

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q2566433 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Southern Maine
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
43.0587°
Longitude
-70.6963°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Whaleback Ledge Lighthouse at night?+
Whaleback Ledge displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white flash every 10 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Whaleback Ledge Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Whaleback Ledge Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Portsmouth at 1.3 NM to the NW. Other ports served include NEW CASTLE (1.8 NM WNW), Kittery (2.4 NM NW), Portsmouth (3 NM WNW), YORK MARINE SERVICE (4.7 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Whaleback Ledge Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Whaleback Ledge Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Whaleback Ledge Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Whaleback Ledge Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.