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 Light
Gloucester, Ma.
Click here for more Photos
(3 photos, 101KB total download)
History/Info:
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.Source:
The Gloucester House
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:
click here for
overview map
click here for
detail map #1
click here for
detail map #2
click here for
detail map #3
- 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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