Abbie Burgess and Matinicus Rock
23 Miles out to sea in the far reaches of Penobscot Bay lies a treeless 32-acre island, Matinicus Rock. In 1827 twin lighthouses were built with the keepers’ quarters located in-between. The massive pillars gave all ships an unmistakable landmark as they navigated the treacherous waters through the Matinicus archipelago. In January of 1856 lighthouse keeper Samuel Burgess traveled to the mainland to retrieve much needed medicine, supplies, and provisions. With his son out to sea fishing, and his wife very ill, this left his oldest daughter, 16-year-old Abbie Burgess, in charge and keeper of the lights. Shortly after Abbie’s father sailed away the winds changed, the sea roughened and a nor’easter began to rage making it so no ship could reach the island for four weeks. Understanding the impending danger of the unsettled sea, Abbie moved her mother and sisters into the lighthouse tower for it was the safest place to endure the storm. She even rescued all but one chicken just prior to their coop being swallowed by the angry ocean. She rationed her family a cup of cornmeal and one egg per day. The weather refused to break and a giant sea swell completely swept away the living quarters leaving only the two towers. Exhausted and sleep deprived, Abbie never gave in. She was able to perform all of her accustomed duties, just as well as her father. Not once did the lights ever fail. It is uncertain how many lives Abbie saved by keeping the lanterns lit. She remains to this day one of Maine’s greatest heroes. With this image we honor Abbie and lighthouse keepers everywhere the guardian angels of the sea.
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