USLHS Historian Video #7: Keeper William C. Williams at Boon Island, Maine

Boon Island is a desolate pile of granite several miles off the southern Maine towns of Kittery and York. The present lighthouse, the third built on the island, went into service on New Year’s Day in 1855. It’s the tallest lighthouse in New England at 133 feet tall. Captain William Converse Williams, a native of Kittery, went to Boon Island as second assistant keeper in 1885. He advanced to first assistant in late 1886, and then became principal keeper in 1888. He went on to serve 23 years in the position. He was described as "a refined gentleman of the old school." Years after his retirement, Williams said that being able to walk about his front yard without fear of being washed into the sea brought him great contentment.

[@Xe99]

Great video thank you

[@sledgehammer8146]

Been out there 4x in my life, once as a kid with my dad, uncle, and cousin, and 3x in a boat with my own kids (including yesterday July 2022)!

[@DrEMichaelJones]

Wow, only 14 feet above sea level at its highest point? Can you imagine being out there in a Nor'easter?

[@Sawman9255]

I was out there in 2014 when the government was auctioning it off. What an incredible structure

[@Lhouse810]

Great video, thanks for posting this! I vacation in York Beach every summer and can always see the light at night from the balcony at my hotel. If you squint your eyes you can see it during the day too.

[@uslighthousesociety]

Glad you enjoyed it! Boon Island Nubble Light are two of the most interesting lighthouses anywhere, although they're completely different from each other.

[@supremeg.]

I can see this lighthouse and the nubble lighthouse from my hotel room