Sandy Point Lighthouse

History of the Sandy Point Lighthouse

Dennis Kent has supplied some history for this lighthouse:

Sometimes called "Sandy Spit" which just sounds disgusting. The pictures were taken July 25, 2003. The first tower here held two flat wick lamps with 16 inch reflectors. It first went into service on September 1, 1873. The keeper lived near by, not on site. After checking everything one night, he left only to have the tower destroyed by fire on February 20, 1878. After a review, the keeper was not considered responsible. Everything was in order when he checked it. This light had been 67 feet above the water line of Shelburne Harbour.

The second light was built on a wooden pier December 15, 1880 with a 4th order Fresnel lens. The pier soon became unstable and the a new concrete crib was built just east of the wooden one. This light was 47 feet above the water line with a fixed red light. This provided service which was automated and de-staffed in 1980. An electric beacon was installed in 1990 but not for long. It was discontinued in 1996. There is a nice park on shore adjacent to the light with a gift shop. As you can see, at low tide visitors can walk out to the light in very shallow water for a close up view. It is a pleasant spot for a lunch of lobster rolls. I know because we did that. Dennis

Directions: From King Street in Shelburne, follow Hammond Road east out of town. It will change names to Sandy Point Road (also called the Lighthouse Route). This will lead you south to the lighthouse.View more Sandy Point Lighthouse pictures