The pyramidal bell structure was built in 1914, two years after a large steamship, the Ransom B. Fuller, ran aground in the fog on this section of the river.

[3] The signal was rung to assist ships navigating the treacherous S-bend section of the river known as Fiddler Reach.

While it was a bell, it was rung by means of a clockwork counter weight system that had to be rewound every 4 hours.

Bell signals were distinguished by the number of strokes and length of time between them.

[4] It was restored by volunteer effort of the "Range Light Keepers", a self-described "group of interested local Maine citizens and visitors".