Name and Location

The Long Point Light is an active aid to navigation marking the entrance to Provincetown Harbor on Cape Cod Bay. Its location is at Plus Code 2RMJ+7G Provincetown, MA, USA, with coordinates 42°01′59″ N, 70°10′07″ W (42.0331308, −70.1686340). The address is Provincetown, Barnstable County, Massachusetts.

2. Construction and History

The station was first established in the early 19th century, with the current tower constructed of masonry (brick/stone) in the late 19th century. The station was converted to fully automated operation in the mid-20th century.

3. Architecture and Materials

The tower is a square-plan masonry structure, painted white, approximately 12 meters (39 feet) tall. The lantern is fitted with a modern beacon, and attached fog horn apparatus is radio-activated. The foundation is made of stone and concrete footing anchored in the shifting sand of Long Point spit.

4. Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is occulting green, one eclipse every four seconds (Oc G 4s). The focal height is 10.9 meters (36 feet) above mean high water, with a nominal range of 8 nautical miles. The fog signal is an MRASS-controlled horn, emitting blasts on VHF-FM channel 83A (157.175 MHz) five times for 45 minutes of blasts.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The spit is accessible only by boat or by a strenuous walk (3 miles one way) along the beach from Herring Cove or via private shuttle boats. The grounds are open, but the tower interior is closed to the public. There are no amenities on site, including visitor centers or restrooms.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features rolling sand dunes, maritime grass, and panoramic vistas of Cape Cod Bay. Common shorebirds and seals can be spotted offshore. The site offers dramatic photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and in foggy conditions when the horn is active.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

In the 19th century, several vessels ran aground on nearby shoals before the station was built. Local lore recalls hardy stewards who rowed daily through surf to tend the light.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority is the United States Coast Guard, First District. The station continues to serve commercial and recreational traffic entering Provincetown Harbor. It is fully automated and remote-monitored, with no resident keepers since the mid-1900s.

9. Further Information

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Point_Light