| Eastern Point Light | |||||||||||||||||
| Location: | Gloucester, Massachusetts | ||||||||||||||||
| Coordinates: | 42.5802°N -70.6644°W | ||||||||||||||||
| Yearbuilt: | 1833 | ||||||||||||||||
| Yearlit: | 1890 (Current tower) | ||||||||||||||||
| Automated: | 1986 | ||||||||||||||||
| Foundation: | Masonry | ||||||||||||||||
| Construction: | Brick tower | ||||||||||||||||
| Shape: | Conical | ||||||||||||||||
| Marking: | White with black lantern and red roof | ||||||||||||||||
| Lens: | 4th order Fresnel lens (original), Optic DCB-24 (current) | ||||||||||||||||
| Characteristic: | Flashing white every 5 sec. | ||||||||||||||||
| Fogsignal: | Horn, and original bell | ||||||||||||||||
| Module: |
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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.[1]
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.[2] The third and current conical brick tower stands tall. The lighthouse has an attached two-story keeper's quarters, built in 1879. The actual light is above Mean High Water. Its white light is visible for .[3]
In 1880, the lighthouse was occupied by American landscape painter Winslow Homer.[4] 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.[5]
A distinctive rock formation is known as Mother Ann is located along the shore near the lighthouse.