Isle of Shoals, New Hampshire
Harbour Lights #347

Captain John Smith landed on the nine rocky Isle of Shoals in 1614; when he and about two dozen of his crew fished the deep cold Atlantic that was abundant in fish. Their first month of fishing on the treeless island netted greater than 60,000 fish! The Isle of Shoals remained an important fishing center for centuries.

A primitive light of these islands was operated by one Captain Samuel Healey, who each night kept a lamp lit from sunset to sunrise as an aid to mariners.

In 1821 the first lighthouse was built on White Island, a stone tower later encased in wood. The tower stood 90’ above the water flashing a red, white and blue light. It should be noted that the blue light had to be discontinued due to its poor visibility.

In 1839, Thomas Laighton, who with his brother had purchased five of the islands in the Isle of Shoals, became keeper. Laighton married and was the father of two children, Oscar and Celia. In 1841, a second son Cedric was born in the lighthouse. During this time, Laighton also lost a bid as Governor of New Hampshire.

Of historical importance is that in 1839, the light on White Island was one of the few to have a
Fresnel lens installed. Unfortunately, the tower was too low and the test of the new lens was a failure. In 1841,a new lighting apparatus was installed. In 1842 inspector, I.W.P. Lewis determined: “The whole construction of the apparatus bears the mark of rude workmanship.” It was not until 1855, when a more efficient Fresnel lens replaced the lamps and reflectors.

Four years later, a new brick lighthouse tower was erected with a new Second Order Fresnel Lens. A latter addition of a duplex Keeper’s house was built in 1897; the structure replaced by the US Coast Guard in the 1950’s.

In 1986, working with a civilian crew the lights were automated and the last of the Coast Guard Keepers left the island.

Several years later, the Fresnel lens was removed and replaced by a solar power aero beacon (VRB-25).

A series of storms and hurricanes caused considerable damage, washing out the walkway and the fog signal tower. In 1993, the property was turned over to the New Hampshire Department of Parks and Recreation. The rough New England weather caused deterioration of the tower.

Today, “Lighthouse Kids” a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation is working to save the lighthouse! On June 22, 2005, “Lighthouse Kids” presented Governor John Lynch with a check for $110,000 that is being used for the restoration of this historic light. Together with a $250,000 grant from the Save America’s Treasures has allowed complete restoration of the tower and a partial restoration of the Keeper’s house.