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Fort Point Lighthouse is in Stockton Springs, Maine, near the mouth of the Penobscot River. The light station is part of Fort Point State Park and is adjacent to the remains of Fort Pownall, which was built in 1759 to guard against the French. Fort Point Light Station was established in 1836, and the 31-foot square brick lighthouse that stands today was built in 1857.

In 1973, 22-year-old Coast Guardsman Terry Cole became the light keeper at Fort Point. While he was stationed at Fort Point with the Coast Guard, Terry served as park manager for a while before he and his family moved on to another assignment on Cape Cod. In 1988, Fort Point Light was automated and the Coast Guard removed its keepers. The keeper’s house became housing for a park ranger and his family. The first person to fill the live-in position was Terry Cole, beginning in 1989. Terry’s wife Jeri also played a large role, helping to organize events and answering visitors’ questions. Terry retired this past summer after 44 years working for Maine Parks and Lands and more than 30 years of living at the Fort Point Lighthouse.

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