Cape Poge Light

The Cape Poge Light is situated at the northeast tip of Chappaquiddick Island, part of Martha's Vineyard, off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

The lighthouse can be reached via a 3.5-mile hike from the Dike Bridge or by four-wheel drive vehicle.

History

• In 1801, the first 35-foot wooden Cape Poge Lighthouse was constructed for $2,000.
• During the War of 1812, the light was extinguished for a few months and its apparatus was hidden in the cellar of a Chappaquiddick house.
• In 1825, the first lighthouse was moved due to an eroding bluff.
• In 1838, the lighthouse was moved again due to the same issue.
• In 1844, a new tower was built for $1,600.
• In 1857, it was supplied with a fourth-order Fresnel lens.
• By 1878, the keeper's house was reported to be at risk of collapse, prompting the construction of a third lighthouse in 1880.
• The current, 35-foot white conical wood tower was constructed in 1893, 40 feet inland from the previous one.
• The light has been moved four times: in 1907, 1922, 1960, and in 1987 when it became the first lighthouse to be relocated by helicopter.
• The light was automated in 1943.

Architecture

The current tower is a 35-foot white conical wood structure, with a focal plane of 65 feet above mean high water.

The light's characteristics include flashing white every 6 seconds and being visible for 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi).

Light Characteristics

The Cape Poge Light features a 12-inch solar-powered beacon that flashes white every 6 seconds, making it visible to mariners for 9 nautical miles.

The light's exhibition is limited to night, with an unintensified visibility.

Current Status

The lighthouse is currently active and under the auspices of the United States Coast Guard, although the tower has been transferred to The Trustees of Reservations, who provide tours during the summer season.

Heritage Status

The Cape Poge Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

It has also appeared in notable films, including "Jaws", where it can be seen in the final two shots as Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss swim back to shore.

Notable Historical Events

1. 1801: The first Cape Poge Lighthouse was constructed for $2,000.
2. War of 1812: The light was extinguished for a few months and its apparatus was hidden in the cellar of a Chappaquiddick house.
3. 1844: A new tower was built for $1,600.
4. 1857: The lighthouse was supplied with a fourth-order Fresnel lens.
5. 1878: The keeper's house was reported to be at risk of collapse.
6. 1880: A third lighthouse was constructed due to the eroding bluff.
7. 1893: The current tower was built, 40 feet inland from the previous one.
8. 1907: The light was moved for the first time.
9. 1922: The light was relocated again.
10. 1960: The lighthouse was moved once more.
11. 1987: The light was relocated by helicopter and added to the National Register of Historic Places.