Chatham Light
37 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633, USA
Name and Location
The Chatham Light is located at 37 Main Street, Chatham, Massachusetts, USA (41°40'44" N, 69°57'30" W). It has been guiding mariners and serving as a beacon of hope for over 140 years.
Construction and History
The Chatham Light was first established in 1877 by the United States Coast Guard to aid navigation in Cape Cod Bay. The original structure, a wooden tower, stood at an impressive height of 14.6 meters (48 feet). In 1923, the lighthouse underwent significant renovations, including the installation of a new optic and the construction of a fog signal building.
Architecture and Materials
The Chatham Light is a striking example of a coastal sentinel, standing 24.4 meters (80 feet) tall with a distinctive white color. Its original wooden structure was replaced in the 1920s with a more durable concrete tower.
Light and Navigation
The light's optic has been upgraded several times to improve its range and visibility. The lighthouse's light character is marked by a flashing white light every 20 seconds, visible for 24 nautical miles (44 kilometers).
Accessibility and Visiting
No information available on accessibility and visiting.
Notable Views and Landscape
No information available on notable views and landscape.
Anecdotes and Folklore
The Chatham Light is one of only two lighthouses on Cape Cod still operating under the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1985, the lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior.
Technical and Operational Details
The Chatham Light has been operated by the United States Coast Guard since its inception. Its daily operations include maintaining the light and fog signal, as well as providing support for search and rescue missions.
Further Information
The Chatham Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 under Criteria A and C, recognizing its significance as a historic structure and its role in maritime history. It is listed on the U.S. Coast Guard's inventory of lighthouses, highlighting its importance as a navigational aid.
Details
| Name | Chatham Light |
|---|---|
| City | Chatham |
| Country | Usa |
| Coordinates | 41.6714098, -69.9498871 |
| Year of construction | 1877 |
| Stories | enduring symbol of maritime history, navigation, and resilience |
| Construction material | concrete |
| Tower height | 24.4 |
| Renovations | 1923 |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | coastal sentinel |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | toilets, café, gift shop |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Light characteristic | {"pattern":"flashing white light every 20 seconds","visibilityRange":24} |
| Automated | true |