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
Location	Gloucester, Massachusetts
Coordinates	42°34′48.6″N 70°39′52″W
Tower
Constructed	1833
Foundation	Masonry
Construction	Brick tower
Automated	1986
Height	36 feet (11 m)
Shape	Conical
Markings	White with black lantern and red roof
Heritage	National Register of Historic Places listed place
Fog signal	Horn, and original bell
Light
First lit	1890 (Current tower)
Focal height	57 feet (17 m)
Lens	4th order Fresnel lens (original), Optic DCB-24 (current)
Range	20 nmi (37 km; 23 mi)
Characteristic	Flashing white every 5 sec.
Eastern Point Light Station
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
Architectural style	Gothic, Queen Anne
MPS	Lighthouses of Massachusetts TR
NRHP reference No.	87002027[1]
Added to NRHP	September 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]

Winslow Homer, Eastern Point Light, 1880, Princeton University Art Museum

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 is known as Mother Ann is located along the shore near the lighthouse.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Gloucester, Massachusetts
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Essex County, Massachusetts

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". National Park Service. July 5, 2009.
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". National Park Service. July 5, 2009.
6. "Eastern Point Light History". www.lighthouse.cc. Archived from the original on June 2, 2000.