A Brief History 

In the late 1870's, the decision was made to construct a lighthouse along the rough shoreline in York after numerous boat wreckages. In 1878, Congress appropriated $15,000 to begin the construction of a lighthouse off the coast of York. By July 1, 1879, the Cape Neddick Light Station was illuminated using a fourth-order Fresnel lens.

From the moment the tower was lit for the first time, the Nubble Lighthouse played an important role in guiding ships through the perilous waters. The light itself is visible for 13 nautical miles and helped mariners navigate around the reefs and shoals. 

For over a century, the Nubble was manned by 13 different lighthouse keepers and their families, who lived on the island. The keepers ensured that the light was operational and maintained the structure during harsh New England coastal conditions. 

In 1985, the Nubble Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance and architectural beauty. 

In 1987, the Nubble was automated and marked the end of the full time keeper era. Automation included modernizing the lighting system and improving the efficiency and reliability of the light itself.  In 1997, the Town of York gained ownership of the Nubble Lighthouse. 

Today, the lighthouse is maintained by the Town of York Parks and Recreation Department. It is the town's responsibility to preserve and upkeep this historic landmark, ensuring its continued maintenance and accessibility to the public for years to come.