A most noble and exhilarating prospect of sea and shore presents itself at one glance. The history of Wood Island Light at the mouth of the Saco River is replete with ghosts, murder, dramatic rescues and even a famous dog. Wood Island Light was erected in 1808 to guide mariners to Wood Island Harbor, a busy fishing area at the time. The 47-foot rubblestone tower has never been rebuilt, making it Maine's second oldest lighthouse tower.
Some sources say the tower was rebuilt but it appears that it was only refurbished.
The best-known Wood Island legend concerns a lobsterman who lived on the island with his wife. The man was also a special policeman and was said to have been a giant, about 30 years old, who easily carried his dory on his shoulders. A younger man then took up residence on the island. One day the young man returned from a session of heavy drinking on the mainland. The lobsterman found his new neighbor wandering drunk with a rifle in his arms and told the man to hand over the weapon.