Perched on the northeastern tip of Chappaquiddick Island on Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Poge Lighthouse has guided mariners through the treacherous shoals of Muskeget Channel and into Edgartown Harbor since the early 19th century. The current 1893 wooden tower — one of only three wooden lighthouses still standing in New England — carries the distinction of being the first lighthouse in the United States ever moved by helicopter, when an Army Sikorsky sky crane lifted the 35-foot structure 500 feet inland in January 1987.
History of Cape Poge Lighthouse
On January 30, 1801, Congress appropriated $2,000 to construct a lighthouse at Cape Poge to guide whaling and fishing vessels safely into Edgartown Harbor, then one of the busiest whaling ports in New England. Four acres of land were purchased a few months later for just $36, and local contractor Duncan McBean built a 35-foot octagonal wooden tower along with a small two-room keeper’s house. The light was originally illuminated by a spider lamp, which was replaced in 1812 with an array of oil lamps and reflectors supplied by Winslow Lewis. First keeper Matthew Mayhew lit the lamp in December 1801. He and his wife Magdalen raised eight children in the cramped two-room dwelling — with only a single door, the children sometimes climbed in and out through the windows. A third room was added to the keeper’s house in 1816 to provide some relief.
During the War of 1812, after the British set fire to the U.S. Capitol and the White House in 1814, lighthouses on the East Coast were ordered extinguished. Keeper Mayhew obeyed by removing the lighting apparatus from the tower and hauling it four miles to the basement of Samuel Huxford’s house on Chappaquiddick, where it remained until early 1815. Erosion soon became a more persistent threat. By 1825, half of the original four acres had washed into the sea, and Mayhew’s brother was hired for $250 to move the lighthouse inland. By 1838, the structure was again only 40 feet from the eroding edge and had to be moved a second time.
In 1844, a new tower was built for $1,600. By 1857, it was equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, and the keeper’s house was eventually expanded with a covered walkway connecting it to the tower. By 1879, the U.S. Lighthouse Service formally noted that all eight acres purchased in 1801 and 1825 had been claimed by the sea. A third tower with a duplex keeper’s dwelling was built further inland in 1880, but it too proved short-lived. In 1893, the current 35-foot conical wooden tower — officially called a “temporary” structure at the time, yet still standing today — was built 40 feet inland from its predecessor.
In 1898, the light’s characteristic was changed from fixed white to a flashing white-and-red signal after mariners complained the beacon was being confused with that of the Cross Rip Lightship. A new fourth-order Fresnel lens manufactured by Chance Brothers of England, with six flash panels, was installed. Because the new flashing characteristic required the keeper to wind a clockwork mechanism every five or six hours through the night, an assistant keeper position was reinstated in 1900. The lighthouse was automated in 1943, ending the keeper era; the keeper’s house was sold privately in 1954 and demolished for its lumber.
Erosion continued to threaten the tower throughout the 20th century, prompting four moves of the 1893 structure: 50 feet in 1907, 95 feet inland in 1922, 150 feet in 1960, and most dramatically, 500 feet inland in January 1987. The 1987 move was triggered by a heavy spring 1984 gale that tore away 10 feet of cliff face, leaving only 24 feet between the bluff edge and the lighthouse’s first anchor. After two and a half years of planning, the U.S. Coast Guard partnered with the U.S. Army National Guard to relocate the lighthouse using a Sikorsky sky crane helicopter that flew up from Muir Army Air Field in Pennsylvania — making Cape Poge the first lighthouse in the United States to be moved by helicopter. The lantern was lifted separately. Onlookers compared the suspended tower, dangling beneath the helicopter with guy wires flying like kite strings, to Dorothy’s house in The Wizard of Oz.
Later that same year, on September 28, 1987, Cape Poge Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1997, the lantern was restored to its near-original condition. Today, the lighthouse and surrounding refuge are owned and managed by The Trustees of Reservations, while the U.S. Coast Guard continues to maintain the active aid to navigation.
Cape Poge Lighthouse Architecture and Design
The current Cape Poge Lighthouse is a 35-foot conical wooden tower with shingled siding, painted white with a black lantern. Its focal plane stands roughly 65 feet above sea level, perched at the northeastern tip of Chappaquiddick’s sand barrier. Originally fitted with a fourth-order Fresnel lens (and later the 1898 Chance Brothers replacement), the lighthouse now operates a solar-powered 300mm optic that produces a white flash every six seconds, visible up to nine nautical miles.
The wooden construction is itself a distinguishing feature: Cape Poge is one of only three wooden lighthouses still standing in New England, alongside Brant Point Light on Nantucket and Plymouth Light. The 1997 lantern restoration returned the structure to its near-original visual character, and the wooden shingles continue to be replaced periodically as part of the Coast Guard and Trustees’ ongoing maintenance.
Location and Surroundings
Cape Poge Lighthouse is situated within the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge on Chappaquiddick Island, a secluded area characterized by:
- Barrier Beaches: Seven miles of pristine sandy shoreline formed by centuries of offshore currents.
- Salt Marshes: Tidal waters supporting extensive ecosystems around Poucha Pond.
- The Cedars: A unique grove of century-old eastern red cedars sculpted by salt spray and wind.
- Wildlife Habitats: Nesting grounds for piping plovers, least terns, and American oystercatchers, as well as nurseries for finfish and shellfish in the calm waters of Cape Poge Bay.
This serene environment offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s natural beauty and ecological significance.
Famous Tales and Recognition
For a small wooden lighthouse on a remote barrier beach, Cape Poge has accumulated a remarkable body of history:
- First Lighthouse Moved by Helicopter (1987): The 500-foot inland relocation in January 1987, performed by a U.S. Army Sikorsky sky crane helicopter, was the first time in U.S. history a lighthouse was moved by air. Onlookers compared the suspended tower to Dorothy’s house from The Wizard of Oz.
- One of Three Wooden Lighthouses in New England: Cape Poge is one of only three wooden lighthouses still standing in New England, alongside Brant Point Light on Nantucket and Plymouth Light on Cape Cod Bay.
- Jaws (1975) Appearance: Cape Poge Lighthouse appears in the final scene of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws — visible on the right side of the screen as Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss swim toward shore after the climactic shark encounter.
- The Mayhew Family of Ten: First keeper Matthew Mayhew and his wife Magdalen raised eight children in the original two-room keeper’s house. With only one door, the children often climbed in and out through the windows; a third room was added in 1816 for some relief.
- War of 1812 Lamp Hiding: When East Coast lighthouses were ordered extinguished after the British burned Washington in 1814, Keeper Mayhew hauled the lighting apparatus four miles to the basement of Samuel Huxford’s house, where it remained safely hidden until 1815.
- The Permanent “Temporary” Tower: The 1893 lighthouse was officially designated a “temporary” structure by the U.S. Lighthouse Service — yet has now stood for over 130 years, outlasting all three of its predecessors.
- National Register of Historic Places (1987): Listed on September 28, 1987, the same year as its historic helicopter relocation.
Visiting Cape Poge Lighthouse
Visiting Cape Poge Lighthouse provides a unique opportunity to experience both historical and natural wonders.
Getting There
Access to the lighthouse requires some planning:
- By Vehicle: From Edgartown, take the Chappaquiddick Ferry to Chappaquiddick Island. Proceed on Chappaquiddick Road for 2.5 miles, continue straight onto Dike Road (a dirt road) for 0.5 miles to the entrance and gatehouse over Dike Bridge. A four-wheel-drive vehicle with an oversand permit is necessary to navigate the sandy trails leading to the lighthouse.
- By Foot: For the more adventurous, a 3.5-mile hike from the Dike Bridge through soft sand offers a rewarding journey to the lighthouse.
Visiting Hours
The Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge is open to the public year-round. Guided tours of the lighthouse are typically available during the summer months, and it’s advisable to book in advance.
Admission
While there may be fees associated with vehicle permits or guided tours, pedestrian access to the refuge is generally free. The lighthouse and refuge are owned and managed by The Trustees of Reservations, while the U.S. Coast Guard maintains the active light. Donations to support conservation efforts are appreciated.
Guided Tours
The Trustees of Reservations offer guided over-sand vehicle tours led by expert naturalists. These tours provide insights into the lighthouse’s history, the island’s ecology, and access to the lighthouse tower, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views.
Visitor Guidelines
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit:
- Respect Signage: Follow all posted signs and barriers to protect the delicate ecosystems.
- Stay on Designated Paths: This helps prevent dune erosion and protects wildlife habitats.
- Be Mindful of Tides: Coastal conditions can change rapidly; always be aware of tidal schedules.
- Follow Local Regulations: Adhere to rules set by the Trustees of Reservations and local authorities to preserve the area’s natural beauty.
Plan Your Visit
A trip to Cape Poge Lighthouse is more than just a visit to a historic structure; it’s an immersive experience into the natural splendor of Martha’s Vineyard. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the lighthouse and its surroundings offer a unique and enriching adventure.