Boon Island Lighthouse, at 133 feet high, is the tallest light on the coast of Maine. Although one keeper lived there 26 years, most in the old Lighthouse Service, as well as the Coast Guard, considered it among the most remote and dangerous light stations on the New England coast.

The lighthouse is now under the auspices of the American Lighthouse Foundation.

In an effort to raise money for lighthouse preservation, in 2003 The Republic of Boon Island was formed declaring itself as an independent nation. The new republic is selling citizenships to help it in its efforts to draw attention and help save not only Boon Island but also lighthouses everywhere.