Eastern Point Light

Eastern Point Light is a historic lighthouse on Cape Ann, in northeastern Massachusetts.It is known as the oldest seaport in America. The harbor has supported fishermen, whalers, and traders since 1616.[2]

Eastern Point Light
Eastern Point Light Station
LocationGloucester, Massachusetts
Coordinates42°34′48.6″N 70°39′52″W
Year first constructed1833
Year first lit1890 (Current tower)
Automated1986
FoundationMasonry
ConstructionBrick tower
Tower shapeConical
Markings / patternWhite with black lantern and red roof
Tower height36 feet (11 m)
Focal height57 feet (17 m)
Original lens4th order Fresnel lens
Current lensOptic DCB-24
Range20 nautical mile 
CharacteristicFlashing white every 5 sec.
Fog signalHorn, and original bell
Heritageplace listed on the National Register of Historic Places 
Eastern Point Light Station
Architectural styleGothic, Queen Anne
MPSLighthouses of Massachusetts TR
NRHP reference No.87002027[1]
Added to NRHPSeptember 30, 1987

History

The lighthouse was originally planned in 1829 and was erected by 1832 on the east side of the Gloucester Harbor entrance. It was first lit on January 1, 1832. The tower was rebuilt in 1848 and again in 1890.[3] The third and current conical brick tower stands 36 feet (11 m) tall. The lighthouse has an attached two-story keeper's quarters, built in 1879. The actual light is 57 feet (17 m) above Mean High Water. Its white light is visible for 20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi).[4]

In 1880, the lighthouse was occupied by American landscape painter Winslow Homer.[5] It was automated by September 1985 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The lighthouse is currently operated by the United States Coast Guard and is closed to the public.[6]

A distinctive rock formation known as Mother Ann is located along the shore near the lighthouse.

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  2. "Eastern Point Lighthouse, History".
  3. "Eastern Point Light Station". Eastern Point Light Station. National Park Service. 2009-07-05.
  4. United States Coast Guard (2009). Light List, Volume I, Atlantic Coast, St. Croix River, Maine to Shrewsbury River, New Jersey. p. 5.
  5. "Inventory of Historic Light Stations". Inventory of Historic Light Stations. National Park Service. 2009-07-05.
  6. http://www.lighthouse.cc/easternpoint/history.html


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