Eastern Point Light

{{Infobox lighthouse

| name = Eastern Point Light

| image = Eastern_point_lighthouse.JPG

| caption = Eastern Point Light Station

| location = Gloucester, Massachusetts

| coordinates = {{coord|42|34|48.6|N|70|39|52|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}

| yearbuilt = 1833

| yearlit = 1890 (Current tower)

| automated = 1986

| yeardeactivated =

| foundation = Masonry

| construction = Brick tower

| shape = Conical

| marking = White with black lantern and red roof

| height = {{convert|36|ft}}

| focalheight = {{convert|57|ft}}

| lens = 4th order Fresnel lens (original), Optic DCB-24 (current)

| intensity =

| range =

| characteristic = Flashing white every 5 sec.

| fogsignal = Horn, and original bell

| admiralty =

| canada =

| module = {{Infobox NRHP

| name =Eastern Point Light Station

|embed=yes

| nrhp_type = hd

| nocat = yes

| area =

| architect =

| architecture = Gothic, Queen Anne

| added = September 30, 1987

| mpsub = Lighthouses of Massachusetts TR

| refnum = 87002027{{NRISref|2008a}}

}}

Eastern Point Light is a historic lighthouse on Cape Ann, in northeastern Massachusetts. It is known as the oldest seaport in America. The harbor has supported fishermen, whalers, and traders since 1616.{{Cite web|url=http://lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=476|title=Eastern Point Lighthouse, History}}

History

The lighthouse was originally planned in 1829 and was erected by 1832 on the east side of the Gloucester Harbor entrance. It was first lit on January 1, 1832. The tower was rebuilt in 1848 and again in 1890.{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/NR/travel/maritime/ept.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521161606/http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/maritime/ept.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 21, 2008|title=Eastern Point Light Station|date=2009-07-05|publisher=National Park Service}} The third and current conical brick tower stands {{convert|36|ft}} tall. The lighthouse has an attached two-story keeper's quarters, built in 1879. The actual light is {{convert|57|ft}} above Mean High Water. Its white light is visible for {{convert|20|nmi}}.{{cite book|title=Light List, Volume I, Atlantic Coast, St. Croix River, Maine to Shrewsbury River, New Jersey|author=United States Coast Guard|year=2009|page=5}}

{{stack|File:Winslow Homer - Eastern Point Light - Google Art Project.jpg, Eastern Point Light, 1880, Princeton University Art Museum]]}}

In 1880, the lighthouse was occupied by American landscape painter Winslow Homer.{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/light/eastern.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625172631/http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/light/eastern.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 25, 2007|title=Inventory of Historic Light Stations|date=2009-07-05|publisher=National Park Service}} It was automated by September 1985 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The lighthouse is currently operated by the United States Coast Guard and is closed to the public.{{cite web |url=http://www.lighthouse.cc/easternpoint/history.html |title=Eastern Point Light History |website=www.lighthouse.cc |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000602152238/http://www.lighthouse.cc/easternpoint/history.html |archive-date=2000-06-02}}

A distinctive rock formation is known as Mother Ann is located along the shore near the lighthouse.

References

Category:Lighthouses completed in 1832

Category:Lighthouses completed in 1848

Category:Lighthouses completed in 1890

Category:Lighthouses on the National Register of Historic Places in Massachusetts

Category:Lighthouses in Essex County, Massachusetts

Category:Buildings and structures in Gloucester, Massachusetts

Category:National Register of Historic Places in Essex County, Massachusetts

Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Massachusetts

Eastern Point Light

History

See also

References