Boston Harbor Lighthouse
Boston, MA

History:
Boston Harbor Light, located on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor, is the oldest lighthouse site in the US. The first lighthouse tower, which first went into service in September of 1716, was destroyed by British troops as they were leaving Boston Harbor at the end of the Revolutionary War. Another light tower was not built again until 1783. That tower was raised to the present height of 89 feet in 1859. At that time a 2nd order fresnel lens was added to the new lantern tower. From that lantern room you have a splendid view of the harbor as well as the city of Boston.

The keeper's house was also built at the same time as the new lantern room in 1859. A second keepers house was added some 30+ years later in 1885. In 1941 the operation of the lighthouse was taken over by the Coast Guard. Today, Coast Guard crews staff the lighthouse and island on a two week rotation. Also, starting in 1999, the National Park Service runs boat trips to Little Brewster Island during weekends in the summer.

Latitude/Longitude: 42.327887,-70.890101

• Boston Harbor Light is only accessible by boat. The Boston Harbor Island Alliance runs summer tours of Little Brewster Island, and visitors can climb Boston Light. Go to www.islandalliance.org and click private events and group tours for more information.