Name and Location

The Straitsmouth Island Light is located on Straitsmouth Island in Rockport, Massachusetts.

2. Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1834 to guide mariners through the rocky coastline of Straitsmouth Island, which lies at the entrance to Rockport Harbor. It has served as an aid to navigation since its construction.

3. Architecture and Materials

The structure is constructed from brick and stone, with a white-painted tower topped by a red lantern room. The original architectural style is unclear, but the building has undergone renovations and restorations over the years.

4. Light and Navigation

Until 1959, the lighthouse was manned by a keeper who maintained the light, fog signal, and other navigation aids. With the advent of automation, the light was converted to an unmanned aid to navigation in 1962. Today, it remains an active aid to navigation, serving as a beacon for mariners entering Rockport Harbor.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse and surrounding areas through the Straitsmouth Island Wildlife Refuge, which offers guided tours during certain times of the year. The refuge is open from April to October, with hours varying depending on the season.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of Rockport Harbor and the surrounding coastline. The area is known for its scenic beauty, with rocky shores, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation providing a tranquil backdrop to the bustling harbor activity below.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore are available for this lighthouse.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse has undergone renovations and restorations over the years, including being listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) since 1987, with reference number 87001487. The Massachusetts Office of Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS) manages the lighthouse and surrounding refuge.

9. Further Information

For more information about the Straitsmouth Island Light or related topics, please consult the following resources:

• MassGIS: "Lighthouses"
• Wikipedia: "Straitsmouth Island Light"