Discovered by Captain John Smith
in 1614 and named Smythes Isles,
and renamed by fishermen because
of the plentiful schools or
shoals of fish found in the area.
White Island is one of nine of the
windswept islands east
of the Piscataqua River.
In the 17th century
four of the islands were
granted to New Hampshire
and the rest to Maine.
The first 87 foot stone
lighthouse was established in
1821.The second in 1859
and remains in operation.
The 58 foot cylindrical brick
tower with walls two feet
thick was automated in 1987.
In 1992 severe storms destroyed
the fog signal,the covered walkway
and other building and equipment,
and nothing was done to
replace/restore any of the buildings.
In 1993 the light station was deeded
over to New Hampshire and
renovations are underway.
