Bear Island, the smallest of Maine's Cranberry Isles, became a part of Acadia National Park in 1987. Home to the Bear Island Light-station, this photograph captures a typical Maine coastline, its rocky shores, wind stirred waters and ever-present conifers. The island saw its first lighthouse, authorized by President Martin Van Buren, in 1839. The original light keepers house was topped with a light tower, using flammable oil to provide the navigational beam. It's no wonder that the first station succumbed to fire in 1852.
     The present lighthouse was built in 1890, complete with a one and a half story light keeper's dwelling. The Bear Island Lighthouse remained a family operated station through the 1950s. Discontinuing lighthouse operations in the early 1980s, the island structures fell into disrepair. The property soon became the focus of a refurb project, taking three years and 17,000 dollars, thanks to the Friends of Acadia. The property is now under private lease and is best seen from the water. A toll ferry, bound for Islesford and the Islesford Historical Museum, also passes close to Bear Island.