Eastern Point Light
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Eastern Point Quick Facts
Year Station Established: 1832
Is the Light operational? Yes
Year Light First Lit: 1890
Year Automated: 1980
Shape: Conical
Tower Height: 36 ft.
Original Optic: 4th Order, Fresnel
Present Optic: DCB-24
Existing Keepers Quarters? Yes
Year Constructed: 1879
Number of Stories: 2
Architectural Style: Gothic
Construction Materials: Wood
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Eastern Point Lighthouse
Gloucester, MA
More Photos
(3 photos, 98KB total download)
History:
The first lighthouse was built on the current sight in 1831 and began shining on January 1, 1832. President Andrew Jackson authorized the construction of this 30 foot lighthouse.
The combined cost of the lighthouse and a small keeper's quarters was $2,450. In 1848, the original lighthouse was torn down and rebuilt. The new lighthouse was 34 feet high and had a steady red light that sailors fondly referred to as "ruby light." An automatic foghorn was installed in 1857. In 1890, the current lighthouse was built for an outrageous $4,300. In 1897, a two-ton steam operated fog bell was installed: the only one in the world. The keeper's house was one of the first to have all of the modern conveniences: telephone-1896, electricity-1897, running water-1901. The lighthouse became automated in 1986 and no longer needs a keeper for either the tower or the light at the end of the breakwater.
Hours:
The light station is closed to the public, but there is a parking lot nearby and the breakwater next to the lighthouse is open all year, with good views of the lighthouse. There are "private road" signs posted in the Eastern Point neighborhood, but visitors are permitted to drive to the lighthouse.
Latitude/Longitude: 42°35'N 70°40'W
Directions:
- Take Route 128 north to the end in Gloucester.
- At the intersection with Route 127A, go straight across onto East Main St.
- In about 1 mile East Main St. becomes Eastern Point Road. Continue on Eastern Point Rd.
- After another 0.4 miles Eastern Point Road becomes Eastern Point Blvd W.
- Follow Eastern Point Blvd W for another 1.5 miles.
- Go through the gate and follow the road to a small dirt parking lot.
- The lighthouse is private but you can view Eastern Point Light from the jetty. You can also walk to Gloucester Breakwater light from the same jetty.
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