Name and Location

The Duxbury Pier Light, also known as the "Bug Light," is a historic lighthouse located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA (41°59'15" N, 70°39'10" W).

Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1871 to guide ships into Duxbury Bay. It was designed by architect Ammi Phillips and constructed using granite and brick.

Architecture and Materials

The Duxbury Pier Light is a striking example of maritime architecture, featuring white and brown horizontal stripes that give it a distinctive appearance. The lighthouse's design allows it to withstand harsh coastal weather conditions.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a red flash every 5 seconds, with a range of about 6 nautical miles. The light is still active and serves as an Aid to Navigation for mariners.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the adjacent parking area. The surrounding landscape offers scenic views of Duxbury Bay and the Plymouth Harbor.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape provides scenic views of Duxbury Bay and the Plymouth Harbor, making it an attractive spot for visitors.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The lighthouse's nickname "Bug Light" is believed to have originated from its small size, with some speculating that it resembles a bug or insect. The original fog signal was activated by turning a handle; today, mariners can activate the fog signal by keying their marine VHF-FM radio to channel 83A/157.175 Mhz.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in the early 20th century, replacing the need for manual operation by keepers. Today, the light is maintained by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) as part of its network of aids to navigation.

Further Information

• In 2014, the Duxbury Pier Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places (#14000287), recognizing its cultural and historical significance.