Derby Wharf Light

The Derby Wharf Light is a historic lighthouse located on Derby Wharf in Salem Harbor, Massachusetts, United States.

Overview

• The light station has played a crucial role in maritime navigation for over 140 years, serving as an aid to navigation for mariners entering Salem Harbor.
• The lighthouse was originally built as part of a larger system of aids to navigation, designed to guide ships safely into the harbor.

History

Construction of the Derby Wharf Light began in 1870. The light station has played a crucial role in maritime navigation for over 140 years, serving as an aid to navigation for mariners entering Salem Harbor.

The lighthouse was originally built as part of a larger system of aids to navigation, designed to guide ships safely into the harbor.

Architecture

The Derby Wharf Light is a masonry tower with a square base and a conical roof. It stands at a height of 7.62 meters (25 feet) above sea level.

The lighthouse has a distinctive red glass Fresnel lens, which was originally used to transmit light out to sea.

The tower's architecture is characteristic of early 19th-century lighthouses in the United States.

Light Characteristics

The Derby Wharf Light emits a red light with a range of 4 nautical miles (7.4 kilometers) and a period of 6 seconds.

The light is visible from a distance of several miles out to sea, making it an essential aid to navigation for mariners entering Salem Harbor.

Current Status

The Derby Wharf Light is currently operated by the National Park Service as part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

While the lighthouse remains active and operational, its automated system allows for minimal human intervention, reducing maintenance requirements.

Location and Accessibility

The Derby Wharf Light is located at Pingree Street in Salem Harbor, Massachusetts.

The light station can be accessed by foot or by boat, with parking available nearby.

Visitors to the site can view the lighthouse from a short distance away, but access to the tower itself is restricted due to safety concerns.

Heritage Status

The Derby Wharf Light has been designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) since 1987, recognizing its significance in American maritime history and its contribution to the development of Salem Harbor.

The lighthouse is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable Historical Events

The Derby Wharf Light played a significant role in several notable historical events, including the construction of the Boston and Lowell Railroad (1848) and the establishment of the United States Life-Saving Service (1870).