History/Info:
To help mariners from running aground on dangerous Squam Bar, the government decided to erect a lighthouse at Wigwam Point in Annisquam. The present Annisquam Light, which has also been known as Squam Light and Wigwam Light, is the third at this location.

In 1801 the United States government bought the property from the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts for $140. A 32-foot wooden tower and a wood framed keeper's house were built, and the house still stands with some modifications.

The present 41-foot Federal-style brick tower was built in 1897. In 1922 the
kerosene-fueled light and fifth order Fresnel lens were removed and replaced by an
electrified fourth order lens. The new light increased Annisquam Light's brightness from
1,300 candlepower to 250,000 candlepower.

A fog horn was installed in 1931, but the following year it was decided that the signal
would only operate from October 15 through May 15 so summer residents could have peaceful nights. In 1949 it went into operation in the summer, but only during the day.

Source: New England Lighthouses

Latitude/Longitude: 42°39'N 70°41'W

Directions:  click here for overview map      click here for more detailed map      click here for VERY detailed map

• Take Route 128 north into Gloucester.

• At the Rotary go around to 9 o'clock and take the exit for Route 127.

• Follow Route 127 for 2.6 miles and take a left onto Bridgewater St.

• Take a right onto Leonard St.

• Stay on Leonard St. for 1/2 mile and take a left onto Norrock Rd.

• Take a left onto Ocean Ave, a right onto Norwood Hts, then a left onto Wigwam Road (check the map!)

• Then take a right onto Lighthouse Road and a left onto Norwood Hts again (definitely, check the map!)

• There is a small parking area for visitors to the lighthouse.