Name and Location

The West Chop Light is a historic lighthouse located in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, on the island of Martha's Vineyard.

Construction and History

The West Chop Light was built by the United States Lighthouse Board in 1891 to guide mariners through the treacherous waters of Vineyard Sound. The structure was originally intended to be a fog signal station, but it was later modified to include a light tower. Architect James Barnet designed the lighthouse, which has undergone several restorations over the years, including a major renovation in 1987 that added modern amenities while preserving the original character of the building.

Architecture and Materials

The West Chop Light features a distinctive red-brick and limestone exterior, with a square tower and a keeper's house attached to the side. The structure has been well-maintained and remains an important part of Martha's Vineyard's maritime heritage.

Light and Navigation

The West Chop Light serves as an active aid to navigation, providing a reliable beacon for mariners navigating the waters around Martha's Vineyard. The lighthouse is equipped with a rotating light system, featuring three distinct colors (white, red, and white) that rotate in a predetermined pattern to indicate the direction of the shore.

Accessibility and Visiting

The West Chop Light has been serving as an aid to navigation since its construction in 1891. While it may not be possible to visit the lighthouse itself, it remains an important part of Martha's Vineyard's maritime heritage and history.

Notable Views and Landscape

No specific information is available on notable views or landscape surrounding the West Chop Light.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No relevant stories or anecdotes are currently known about the West Chop Light.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse stands at an impressive 13.7 meters (45 feet) tall, with a range of 14 kilometers (9 nautical miles). The light characteristics include white light with red flash; three colors rotate in predetermined pattern. The sector end is 281 degrees, and the sector start is 180 degrees.

Further Information

• * Massachusetts Historical Commission, "West Chop Light" (PDF)
• * United States Coast Guard, "West Chop Lighthouse"
• * National Park Service, "National Register of Historic Places"