Established in 1804, it is one of Maine's oldest light stations, with its present tower built in 1852 to a design attributed to Alexander Parris.

In addition to the lighthouse complex, the island is also home to the former Whitehead Lifesaving Station, located near its southwestern point.

The light station is located at the island's southeastern point, and includes the lighthouse, keeper's house, oilhouse, and a fog signal building.

The tower is built out of cut granite blocks, rising to a sixteen-sided lantern house surrounded by an iron walkway and railing.

Adjacent to the tower is the keeper's house, a 1-1/2 story wood frame structure with a gabled roof and a T-shaped configuration.