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The Associated Press Tuesday, August 2, 2005

Generations of parents have told their children that the West Quoddy Head lighthouse is the easternmost point in the United States. Now there's a granite marker at the landmark proclaiming it to be so.

The marker, dedicated Saturday, declares the site is the easternmost point in America. The lighthouse's geographic latitude and longitude are etched into the stone: 44-48-9 N, 66-57-1 W.

The marker stands next to the visitor center of the 49-foot lighthouse, which was built in 1808 and is known for its red and white stripes.

The lighthouse is "an icon of Maine," said John Smith, manager of Quoddy Head State Park.

"It's nationally known, and this site draws tourists from all over the country and the world," Smith said.

About 50 tourists, local residents, visitor center volunteers and state officials joined in the dedication ceremony.

"What a magnificent addition that honors and preserves this special place," said state Sen. Kevin Raye, R-Perry.

The 3,000-pound marker was donated by Qualey Granite and Stone Fabrication of Bangor and was brought to the lighthouse in March. It was planted in its permanent place in May and engraved in June.

The lighthouse, which was automated in 1988, still operates 24 hours a day.

Lighthouse officials say the other extreme geographical points in the continental United States include Northwest Angle, Minn., the northernmost point; Key West, Fla., the southernmost point; and Cape Alvala, Wash., the westernmost point.

Of all 50 states, Hawaii has both the southernmost and westernmost points, while the northernmost location is in Alaska.