Samual de Champlain first chartered
Swans Island in 1604, naming the
island Brule-Cote or Burnt Hill.
A valued shelter against wind
and storms the 7,000 acre
Burnt Coat Harbor had industries
such as granite,fishing and lobstering.
Range lights were built on the
tip of Swans Island in 1872.
The two lights caused much confusion
for mariners so the smaller
front light was removed in 1885.
In 1895 an oil house was added,
and a bell tower in 1911.
In 1975 the light was automated
and the fourth order Fresnel lens removed.
The town of Swans Island now owns the
light station.
