Whitehead Light Station

From pre-Colonial times through the mid to late 1800's, the development of business and industry of the mid-coast and Penobscot Bay region of Maine was highly dependant on sailing vessels to transport to market the raw materials and finished products of coastal and inland areas. Fish, lumber, ice, lime and granite were the significant products derived from the abundant natural resources of the coast and inland along the extensive Penobscot River system. Returning vessels supplied the region with salt, cloth, metals, machinery, sugar and flour needed to support the area economy and to meet the needs of the growing population. In later years, steamships became a quicker and reliable means of transportation for people and merchandise.