Name and Location

Cleveland East Ledge Light is an active offshore lighthouse located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. The address is J8J4+98, Marion, MA, USA, and its coordinates are 41°37′51.5″ N, 70°41′38.6″ W.

Construction and History

The original construction details for Cleveland East Ledge Light are not documented in publicly available sources. The structure was transferred to automated operation by the U.S. Coast Guard in the mid-20th century, eliminating the need for a resident keeper. Most caisson-type lighthouses in Buzzards Bay date back to the late 19th or early 20th centuries.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands on a submerged ledge in relatively shallow water (approximately 20 ft depth). The structure is built on a caisson or rip-rap (rock) base set on ledge, with a cylindrical steel (or cast-iron) tower painted white. However, the exact height and focal plane of the tower are not publicly documented.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse serves as an aid to navigation for vessels entering Marion and Mattapoisett harbors. It is marked by a flashing white light; however, the exact pattern and nominal range are not publicly recorded (consult the latest U.S. Coast Guard Light List and Notices to Mariners). The lighthouse functions solely as a visual aid, with no separate AIS transmitter or radar reflector.

Accessibility and Visiting

The public access is restricted due to its offshore location; there is no pier or dock for public landing. Visitors can only access the lighthouse by private boat under permit, but there are no on-site facilities or tours available. Boats must maintain at least 100 yd (91 m) clearance to avoid the rip-rap base.

Notable Views and Landscape

Anecdotes and Folklore

Unfortunately, no well-documented local legends or keeper stories are available in the public record. Given its offshore location and early automation, Cleveland East Ledge Light never supported a long-term keeper residency.

Technical and Operational Details

For precise navigational parameters, consult the latest U.S. Coast Guard Light List and Notices to Mariners.

Further Information

• * MassGIS Lighthouses Dataset: http://mass.gov/mgis/lighthouses.htm
• * U.S. Coast Guard Light List (latest Atlantic volume)
• * NOAA Chart US5 (Buzzards Bay)
• * Wikidata Entry Q5132124
• * “United States Coast Guard Lighthouses,” District 1 archive