Name and Location

Edgartown Harbor Light is an active aid to navigation located at 121 N Water St, Edgartown, Dukes County, Massachusetts 02539, USA. Its coordinates are 41°23′27″ N, 70°30′11″ W (41.3908772, -70.5030608).

Construction and History

The original light was established in the 1820s to guide whaling and coastal vessels into Edgartown's busy harbor. The present tower was constructed in 1939, replacing earlier foundations and serving continuously as an active light. Automation took place mid-20th century, with no on-site keeper since then.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a cylindrical tower made of concrete or masonry construction. It stands at a height of 30 ft (seamark:light:height=30) and has a focal height of approximately 31 ft above mean high water. The tower is white with a red flashing light; there are no daymark stripes.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a flashing red light once every 5 seconds (Fl R 5s). Its range is 5 nautical miles, marking the eastern approach channel to Edgartown Harbor. It serves as an active aid to navigation under U.S. Coast Guard oversight and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is publicly viewable from the shore along North Water Street and the adjacent public park; the tower itself is not open for interior tours. Parking is available in downtown Edgartown, with the light a short walk (≈ 5 minutes) from Main Street. Facilities include benches and picnic tables nearby.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers panoramic views across Edgartown Harbor toward Chappaquiddick Island and Cape Poge Lighthouse. The surrounding area features salt marshes, tidal flats, and small craft harbors, making it a popular spot for sunset photography and harbor watching.

Anecdotes and Folklore

While there are few well-documented legends specific to Edgartown Harbor Light, the broader harbor area is steeped in whaling-era lore. Local storytellers recall that prior lightkeepers hosted visiting mariners on stormy nights, offering refuge and coffee in exchange for navigational tales.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse's technical specifications include a range of 5 nautical miles, with chart references to NOAA Chart 13221 (Vineyard Sound and Elizabeth Islands). It is listed on the U.S. Coast Guard Light List, Volume 1 (Atlantic Coast).

Further Information

• For further reading, refer to "Edgartown Harbor Light" on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgartown_Harbor_Light), the U.S. Coast Guard Light List, Volume 1 (Atlantic Coast), and MassGIS Office of Geographic and Environmental Information, Feature "Edgartown Harbor Light" (node/257496043).