It was established in 1857 on Southern Island, on the south side of the entrance to the harbor.

It is on the west side of Two Bush Channel, the southwestern entrance to Penobscot Bay.

The 1½-story, wood-framed, colonial cape lighthouse keeper's residence was constructed in 1857.

He reconstructed the white square pyramid bell house, and it is said to be a scaled-down replica of one of Lord Horatio Nelson's cabins on HMS Victory.

[12] Jamie Wyeth has found the environs of Southern Island to be an inspiration for his art.