Lighthouses

THE LIGHTHOUSES

of CAPE ANN

Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse.

STATELY AND STOIC, SIX ICONIC LIGHTHOUSES STAND GUARD ALONG the Cape Ann coastline protecting seafarers from rocky shores and shoals. They offer historians and romantics alike a glimpse into Cape Ann’s maritime lore and legacy. Lighthouses are a comfort to mariners to this day, and despite the use of GPS and electronic aids for navigation they still symbolize home and safety.

GLOUCESTER Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse

White light flashing every 7.5 seconds with red sector. Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse (Annisquam Light) was erected in 1801 to mark the entrance to the Annisquam River at Wigwam Point, a popular Native American summer encampment. The river connected Ipswich Bay to Gloucester Harbor following the construction of the Blynman Canal. Annisquam Light’s wooden frame was replaced with the existing 41-foot brick tower, with a focal plane of 45 feet, in 1897. The lighthouse is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard and is no longer accessible from the nearby village of Annisquam in Gloucester. Best viewing opportunities are by water or from Wingaersheek Beach.

Eastern Point Lighthouse

White light flashing every 5 seconds. Eastern Point Lighthouse was erected on Gloucester’s Eastern Point to mark the harbor entrance in 1832. The current brick tower was built in 1890 and is 36 feet tall, with a focal plane of 56 feet. One of the station’s more famous occupants was Winslow Homer. The noted artist spent a year living at the light in 1880. Although not open to visitors, the lighthouse presents a wonderful view, especially from the vantage point of the adjacent Dog Bar Breakwater. Visitors are welcome to walk along or fish from the flat granite blocks atop this massive quarter-mile long structure, which has protected Gloucester Harbor from storms since 1904. The Massachusetts Audubon Society maintains a small parking area near the lighthouse and breakwater as part of its Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary. Parking is free for members and $10 per car for non- members between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. For more information visit massaudubon.org.

Ten Pound Island Lighthouse

Equal interval red light every 6 seconds. Located on Ten Pound Island in Gloucester Harbor, the light was constructed in 1821 to mark the island and act as a guide for navigating Gloucester’s inner harbor. Rebuilt in 1881 from cast iron with brick lining, the tower is 30 feet tall with a focal point of 56 feet. Visible from many locations along Gloucester’s waterfront, tiny Ten Pound Island proudly housed America’s first Coast Guard station. The light was restored and relighted through the efforts of the Lighthouse Preservation Society. For more information visit lighthousepreservation.org.

ROCKPORT Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse

Green light flashing every 6 seconds. Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse (Straitsmouth Light) was built in 1835 to mark the entrance to nearby Rockport Harbor. The present brick lighthouse was built in 1896 with a height of 37 feet and a focal plane of 46 feet above sea level. The relatively small lighthouse is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, yet is owned by the Town of Rockport including the 1.8 acres upon which it sits. The rest of the 31-acre island is owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society as a bird sanctuary. For more information visit thacherisland.org.

Thacher Island Twin Lighthouses (Twin Lights)

A National Historic Landmark Also known as Cape Ann Light Station, the Twin Lights are the only fully operational multiple lights on the coasts of the United States. The South Tower has a white light flashing five times at 20-second intervals. The North Tower has a red steady light which is maintained by the Thacher Island Association as a “courtesy” memorial light to mariners who have passed away. The original 45-foot towers were constructed and lit in 1771 making them among the oldest of America’s lighthouses. The stout 124-foot granite towers (with a focal point of 166 feet above sea level) seen today replaced the original lights in 1861. The two towers, North and South, were constructed and placed so that when a ship puts sights on both towers, they point to true north, allowing sailors to check and adjust their compasses. The Thacher Island Association provides launch service from T-Wharf in Rockport Harbor to the island during the summer months, with advance reservations. For more information visit thacherisland.org.