Avery Rock Light

Avery Rock Light is a lighthouse situated on Avery Rock, a small rocky islet in Machias Bay on the coast of Maine, United States. The islet measures roughly 110 m long by 48 m wide and lies in the middle of the bay, reachable only by boat.

The original 1875 structure was a square tower of brick and wood rising 34 ft above the island, with a gallery and lantern integrated into the keeper’s house. Its fifth‑order Fresnel lens produced a fixed red beam visible for 13 nautical miles, and the station sounded a bell every ten seconds. After the tower was demolished, a 13‑ft skeletal tower was erected, its focal plane set at 17 ft and showing a white flash every six seconds.

The lighthouse was constructed and first lit in 1875 to guide ships into Machias Bay. It remained manned until it was automated in 1926. A severe storm in 1947 caused damage beyond repair, leading to the demolition of the original tower that year. The site was later re‑equipped with the present skeletal tower, which carries the modern light.

The rebuilt light continues to operate as a navigational aid, flashing a white signal every six seconds. Access to the light is limited to boat travel, since the islet lacks any land connection.

Light and tower

It was first lit in 1875. It was automated in 1926.