Northport Rear Range Lighthouse

The Northport Rear Range Lighthouse is valued for its associations with the marine and navigational history of the area, for its contributions to the landscape, and its importance to its community as a visual landmark.

Constructed in 1885 by builder James Keefe, the Northport Rear Range Lighthouse was based on a Department of Marine and Fisheries design. Originally built as one of a pair of open frame range lights, the lighthouse was originally used as the Front Range Light. It was enclosed in 1903. In 1962, when a new lighthouse was built, this lighthouse, formerly the Front Range Lighthouse was moved to become the back or Rear Range Light. Extra height was added to the original construction in 1887 (3.3 metres) and an additional 1.8 metres was added in 1970. The light has been moved a number of times over the years to align with the shifting channel.

The original back or rear range lighthouse was sold, moved nearby, and refurbished as a private residence.

The Northport Range lights guided mariners into Cascumpec Harbour around Savage Island where range lights were also installed along with the main Cascumpec Lighthouse. Some of the lighthouse keepers over the years included: John Mountain (1885-1897), B. Mountain (1912-1914), W.A. Smith (1914-1923, and possibly longer), Joseph Perry (1926-1948), Lemuel Arsenault (1948), and James Andrew Gallant (1948-1961).

The Northport Rear Range Lighthouse is located on property owned by the community of Northport. The community has assumed ownership of the lighthouse which was designated in 2015 under the federal Heritage Lighthouses Protection Act.

The Northport Rear Range Lighthouse continues to be an important visual and cultural landmark in its community.

Source : Heritage Places files, Dept. of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport & Culture, Charlottetown, PE

File # : 4310-20/N8