Amid the picturesque landscape and historic charm of Belfast Harbor stands a sometimes unrealized gem, one that has withstood the tests of time and nature: The Steele’s Ledge Monument. This unassuming beacon, known by various names, including Steel's Ledge, Steels Ledge, Steel Ledge, Steele’s Ledge Lighthouse, Steele’s Ledge Monument Lighthouse, and Belfast Beacon, carries a rich history that spans centuries and is intertwined with the maritime heritage of the town. While it once served as a lighthouse, it has been many years since it has operated as such.

Standing sentry near the outer edge of Belfast Bay, the Steele’s Ledge Monument Lighthouse was first authorized by Congress in 1826. Named after one of the earliest settlers in the area, it was destined to become more than just a day beacon, which are unlit nautical marks. Over the years, it would evolve from a simple stone pier into a symbol of resilience and innovation.

The early years of the monument came with challenges. The first iteration, built of wood, fell victim to an 1833 storm, while the subsequent stone monument met its demise due to ice jams in 1850. The pattern of destruction and rebirth continued until 1888, when the lighthouse's foundations were reinforced with heavier stones and bracing, with sloping sides added. Standing tall in the center of the monument was a prominent pole topped with a large barrel serving as a day beacon, before a light was installed.

The turning point for the Steele’s Ledge Monument came in the early 20th century. In 1912, it earned the name Belfast Beacon when an acetylene gas lamp was finally placed on its summit. This marked a new era for the monument, transforming it into an official lighthouse.

The innovation that allowed the transformation was powered by the American Gas Accumulator Co., a division of a Swedish company led by Gustaf Dalén. His inventions included an automatic lighthouse mechanism with a sun valve and intermittent light regulator, which revolutionized lighthouse technology. His work in the field earned him a Nobel Prize for physics in 1912. The invention involved a sensor that allowed the light to only illuminate in darkness, and was dubbed the Dalén Light. Acetylene, a bright and efficient fuel, then became a feasible option, and the Belfast Beacon became one of the earliest installations of this advanced lighting system.

Throughout its storied history, and many names, the Belfast Beacon was not immune to the challenges of its time. During World War II, it was extinguished as a security measure, however, it was eventually deemed not to be a concern. In 1943, the War Department recognized its value for navigation and defense, and the Beacon was reignited by a coast guard tender.

Though today a boat is required to see the monument, historically it was not unusual for the entirety of Belfast Bay to freeze, up to and beyond the monument. Walking there was once a popular pastime in Belfast, with some mounting horses, many walking in groups, and others making the journey across the ice solo. According to the Belfast Historical Society and Museum Director Megan Pinette, the last real freezing of the Bay occurred in 1995. 

Despite its enduring legacy, the Belfast Beacon eventually faded from many locals’ awareness. The lighthouse, once a beacon of guidance and innovation, now carries an air of days gone by as it stands in solitude, a quiet reminder of Belfast's maritime past.