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 Dice Head (Dyce Head), ME
Description: On the tip end of the peninsula that forms the mouth of the Penobscot River stands the now unwatched Dice Head Lighthouse.
Early view of Dice Head Lighthouse
Photograph courtesy U.S. Coast Guard
Built in 1829 and remodeled in 1858, the lighthouse is now just one more monument to the historic "Pentagoet" region. Here the first white settlers of 1614, French traders under La Tour, gave way to the British from the Plymouth colony led by Isaac Allerton in 1629. The French retook Castine in 1635 only to be again driven out by the British in 1654. Sixteen years later Hubert d’Andigny once more occupied this strategic key town to the Penobscot River for the French. In 1674, a Flemish corsair captured the garrison. Two years later the wealthy and adventurous Baron de St. Castine took over the town, which still bears his name. Married to the daughter of the Indian Chief, Madoca-wando, he became a powerful influence among the Indians and the town became a thriving shipping port.

During the summer of 1999, the Dice Head Lighthouse was undergoing restoration. The lighthouse is owned by the Town of Castine, and the keeper's quarters is rented out. A modern beacon near the shoreline now guides ships into Castine.

Photo Gallery: 1

References

  1. Historically Famous Lighthouses, U.S. Coast Guard.


Location: Located in Castine near the head of Penobscot Bay.
Latitude: 44.38287
Longitude: -68.819

For a larger map of Dice Head (Dyce Head) Lighthouse, click the lighthouse in the above map or get a map from: Mapquest.

Travel Instructions: From Highway 1 near Orland, turn south on Highway 175 and drive south for eight miles to West Penobscot. From there, continue south on Highway 166 for roughly seven miles to Castine. In Castine, follow Battle Avenue past the Maine Maritime Academy to its end. The keeper's house is a private residence, but there is a public path, which leads to a viewing area.

The lighthouse is owned by the Town of Castine, and the dwelling is rented to a caretaker. Grounds open, dwelling/tower closed.

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Pictures on this page copyright Kraig Anderson, used by permission.