Name and Location

The Wood End Light is a historic lighthouse located at the entrance to Provincetown Harbor in Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA.

Construction and History

Built in 1840 during the Age of Sail, the Wood End Light is a testament to maritime heritage. The lighthouse was constructed using local granite and limestone, with a distinctive design attributed to an unknown architect influenced by the Federal style popular during that era.

Architecture and Materials

The masonry tower stands 12 feet tall, with a white exterior and a red light characteristic (Fl(3)W.15s). Its construction reflects the use of local materials, including granite and limestone.

Light and Navigation

The original optic lens emitted a red light with a range of 13 nautical miles, guiding vessels safely into Provincetown Harbor. Although automated in 1961, the light still functions today as part of the United States Coast Guard's Aids to Navigation System (AIS).

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, although the tower itself is not open to the public. The nearest airport is the Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC), with regular flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). By car, take Route 6 or Interstate 95 to reach Provincetown.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse sits at the entrance to Provincetown Harbor, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and scenic Cape Cod coastline. One notable photo of the Wood End Light can be found on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/krwalton/992193278/.

Anecdotes and Folklore

As a historic aid to navigation, the Wood End Light has witnessed numerous shipwrecks and notable maritime events throughout its history. Although records are limited, local legends speak of ghostly apparitions and mysterious occurrences surrounding the lighthouse.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#87001504) and has been recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as a significant aid to navigation.

Further Information

For further reading, refer to the Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_End_Light The Wood End Light is managed by the United States Coast Guard and the Office of Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS).