History/Info:
For many years the twin lights at Baker's Island had sufficed to guide vessels into Salem
Harbor, but it was decided that another light was needed to help mariners find their way
into the crowded inner harbor. The 23-foot tall (including the lantern) brick lighthouse
was built for $3,000 and first lighted in January 1871. A fifth order Fresnel lens
exhibited a fixed red light from the tower.

In 1906 the light was changed to a fourth order lens with a flashing red light. In 1910
it was classified as a harbor light and received a sixth order lens, reverting to a fixed
red light.

The light was electrified in the 1970s and switched once again back to a flashing red
light. It was deactivated in 1977 and ownership went to the National Park Service in
1979. In 1983 the Friends of Salem Maritime had Derby Wharf Light relighted as a private
aid to navigation with a solar-powered optic, flashing red every six seconds. The
National Park again renovated the lighthouse in 1989.

Source: New England Lighthouses

Hours:
The lighthouse itself is closed but the surrounding wharf is open to the public.

Latitude/Longitude: 

Directions: click here for map

• Once in Salem, get onto Derby Street and follow the signs for the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.