Visiting Baker Island in Maine
Baker Island in Maine is one of the outermost Cranberry isles located at the southwestern entrance to Frenchman Bay. A majority of the 162-acre property is owned by Acadia National Park and preserves a historical 19th century Light Station and homestead along with many archeological artifacts found along its shores.
During my most recent visit to Maine with family and friends, my niece, Sophie Herbert Slater, and her family had the opportunity to visit Baker Island and learn about its rich past.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- Baker Island is best known for its Light Station, built in 1828 on the order of President John Quincy Adams to warn mariners nearby.
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- The island is accessible by private boat or chartered water taxis. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)
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- Here’s Captain Aubin Dupree.
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- Beginning in 1806 and lasting for more than 120 years, Baker Island was home to William and Hannah Gilley and their descendants. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)
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- The tour group walked the grounds that were once used for growing crops and raising oxen, cattle, sheep and other farm animals. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)
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- Sophie’s husband, Dan Slater, looks down from the top of the Lighthouse. which is still in use today. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)
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- Sophie, Silas and Felix also climbed to the top. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)
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- These are the wrought iron stairs of the Lighthouse Station.
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- Beautiful views of the island and Frenchman Bay in the distance.
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- Many of the historical structures of the Gilley Family, including the home, are still standing.
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- Here’s another view of the family home and Lighthouse Station.
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- The barns were built for the family’s many animals. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia)
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- Here is the Baker Island Cemetery.
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- Dan, Sophie, Silas, and Felix after a very interesting and informative tour of Baker Island.
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