Nobska Point Light
233 Nobska Rd, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA
Name and Location
The Nobska Point Light is located on the southeastern coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The lighthouse's address is 233 Nobska Road, Falmouth, MA 02543, and its coordinates are approximately -70.6551381 latitude and 41.5157909 longitude.
2. Construction and History
The Nobska Point Light was established in 1876 to guide mariners through the treacherous waters of Woods Hole Harbor Entrance. The original structure was designed by Massachusetts State Board of Harbor and Land Commissioners and built by the U.S. Lighthouse Board. Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several renovations and upgrades, including a major restoration project in the 1980s.
3. Architecture and Materials
The Nobska Point Light stands at 87 feet (26 meters) tall, with a focal plane height of 110 feet (33.5 meters), making it one of the tallest lighthouses in Massachusetts. The lighthouse's architecture and materials are not specified in available data sources.
4. Light and Navigation
The Nobska Point Light is an active aid to navigation, featuring three red lights with a flash characteristic of Fl (1.5 seconds on, 2.5 seconds off). The light's range extends approximately 13 miles (21 kilometers) out to sea, serving as a vital beacon for mariners navigating the busy waters of Cape Cod.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
The Nobska Point Light remains an active aid to navigation under the management of the U.S. Coast Guard. Visitors can explore the lighthouse and surrounding grounds through guided tours or self-guided visits, offering insight into the rich maritime history of Cape Cod. The Friends of Nobska Point (https://friendsofnobska.org/) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the lighthouse's history and promoting its cultural significance.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
The surrounding grounds offer notable views and landscapes, although specific details are not available in data sources.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
No anecdotes or folklore about the Nobska Point Light are available in data sources.
8. Technical and Operational Details
Today, the Nobska Point Light remains an active aid to navigation under the management of the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse is home to a Coast Guard housing unit, providing accommodations for personnel stationed in the area.
9. Further Information
The Nobska Point Light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#87001483) in 1987 for its cultural and historical significance. The lighthouse is also recognized by the Massachusetts Historical Commission as a historic landmark. For more information, visit the Massachusetts Geographic Information System (MassGIS) website: http://mass.gov/mgis/lighthouses.htm.
Details
Name | Nobska Point Light |
---|---|
City | Falmouth |
Country | United States |
Coordinates | 41.5157909, -70.6551381 |
Website | https://friendsofnobska.org/ |
Year of construction | 1876 |
Stories | cultural and historical significance |
Architect | Massachusetts State Board of Harbor and Land Commissioners, U.S. Lighthouse Board |
Focal height | 33.5 |
Tower height | 26 |
Renovations | major restoration project in the 1980s |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | rocky coast |
View description | treacherous waters of Woods Hole Harbor Entrance |
Guided tours | true |
Facilities | Coast Guard housing unit |
Nearby attractions | "Massachusetts Geographic Information System (MassGIS) website: http://mass.gov/mgis/lighthouses.htm" |
Light characteristic | "Fl (1.5 seconds on, 2.5 seconds off)" |
Light range | 21 |
Automated | true |