Eastern Point Lighthouse stands at the entrance to Gloucester Harbor in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Established in 1832, this historic beacon has guided countless mariners safely into the harbor, underscoring Gloucester’s rich maritime heritage as America’s oldest seaport.
History of Eastern Point Lighthouse
The original lighthouse was constructed in 1832 to accommodate the increasing shipping and commercial fishing activities in Gloucester Harbor. The tower underwent reconstructions in 1848 and again in 1890, with the current 36-foot brick structure erected on the foundation of the original tower.
In 1880, American landscape painter Winslow Homer spent the summer at the nearby Ten Pound Island Light station, painting Eastern Point Light and other Gloucester scenes that would influence his later marine work. Eastern Point Light was automated in 1985 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Today, it remains one of the most iconic lighthouses in Gloucester.
Eastern Point Lighthouse Architecture and Design
The existing lighthouse is a conical brick tower, standing 36 feet tall, attached to a two-story keeper’s quarters built in 1879. The tower is painted white with a black lantern and red roof, and its light, positioned 57 feet above mean high water, is visible for 20 nautical miles. The original fourth-order Fresnel lens has been replaced with a modern DCB-24 optic.
The Ruby Light
The 1848 brick tower earned the nickname “Ruby Light” because it featured 11 whale-oil lamps surrounded by French red plate glass, producing a distinctive fixed red light. In 1857, a fourth-order Fresnel lens replaced the lamps, increasing visibility from 11 to 13 nautical miles. That original Fresnel lens is now on display at the Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester.
Location and Surroundings
Situated on the eastern tip of Gloucester Harbor, Eastern Point Lighthouse marks the harbor’s entrance. A notable feature is the adjacent 2,250-foot granite Dog Bar Breakwater, built between 1894 and 1905 from 231,756 tons of Cape Ann granite at a cost of $300,000. The breakwater spans dangerous Dog Bar Reef, named for a dog reportedly buried there in the early 1800s. Before its completion, nearly 40 ships had crashed into the breakwater under construction. Today, visitors can walk its full length for sweeping views of Gloucester Harbor, the open Atlantic, and the Boston skyline on clear days.
Nearby attractions include the Rocky Neck Art Colony, the oldest continuously operating art colony in America, and the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial Statue, honoring those who lost their lives to the sea.
Visiting Eastern Point Lighthouse
While the lighthouse itself is closed to the public, visitors can explore the surrounding area and enjoy scenic views.
Getting There
From downtown Gloucester, follow East Main Street, which becomes Eastern Point Road, then continue on Eastern Point Boulevard to the lighthouse. Despite “Private Road” signs, access to the lighthouse parking area is permitted for visitors.
Visiting Hours
The breakwater next to the lighthouse is open year-round, offering picturesque views of the lighthouse and harbor.
Admission
There is no admission fee to visit the lighthouse grounds or the breakwater.
Guided Tours
While the lighthouse itself is not open for tours, visitors can enjoy self-guided exploration of the surrounding area, including the breakwater and nearby natural features.
Visitor Guidelines
- Respect all signage and barriers — the lighthouse and keeper’s house are active Coast Guard property.
- The breakwater can be slippery, especially in wet, icy, or windy conditions — wear sturdy footwear.
- There are no public restrooms or facilities at the lighthouse.
- Despite “Private Road” signage, the access road and parking area are open to lighthouse visitors.
Plan Your Visit
A trip to Eastern Point Lighthouse offers a blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and artistic culture. Visitors can enjoy walking the breakwater, exploring the Rocky Neck Art Colony, and reflecting at the Fisherman’s Memorial Statue, making it a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.