Massachusetts Lighthouses

Massachusetts has a rich maritime history, and its lighthouses have played a key role in guiding sailors along the state’s rugged coastline for centuries. The first lighthouse in the American colonies, Boston Light, was built in 1716 on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. Though damaged during the American Revolution, it was rebuilt in 1783 and remains the nation’s oldest continuously operated lighthouse.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, as Massachusetts’ coastal trade and fishing industries grew, more lighthouses were constructed to mark treacherous shores, sandbars, and busy harbors. Highland Light, built in 1797 in Truro, helped mariners navigate the dangerous waters off Cape Cod, while Gay Head Lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard was erected in 1799 to protect whaling ships from the island’s rocky cliffs.

In the 19th century, advances in lighting technology, including the Fresnel lens, made lighthouses more effective. Many of Massachusetts’ lighthouses were rebuilt or upgraded to improve their range and visibility. While automation in the 20th century reduced the need for lighthouse keepers, these historic beacons remain iconic symbols of the state’s maritime heritage. Today, many are preserved as museums or scenic landmarks, continuing to captivate visitors with their beauty and history.