Newburyport Harbor (Plum Island) Light

The Newburyport Harbor (Plum Island) Light is situated on Point Road in Newburyport, Massachusetts, United States.

Location and Accessibility

• The lighthouse can be accessed via Point Road, which offers limited parking for visitors.

History

Construction of the lighthouse began in 1788 and was completed in 1791. It has been an important aid to navigation for mariners entering Boston Harbor since its construction.

Over the years, the light has undergone several renovations and restorations to maintain its integrity as a navigational aid.

Architecture

The Newburyport Harbor (Plum Island) Light is a conical-shaped tower with a distinctive green glass lens.

The lighthouse stands at a height of 13.7 meters (45 feet) above the sea level, while its focal height reaches 15.2 meters (50 feet).

Light Characteristics

The Newburyport Harbor (Plum Island) Light is equipped with two green glass lenses that rotate in a clockwise direction every 15 seconds.

The light has a range of 10 nautical miles, making it an essential aid to navigation for vessels entering Boston Harbor.

Current Status

The Newburyport Harbor (Plum Island) Light is currently operated by the U.S. Coast Guard and remains an active navigational aid.

However, due to its remote location, it has not been automated since its construction in 1791.

Heritage Status

The Newburyport Harbor (Plum Island) Light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) with reference number 87001485.

It is also classified as a historic landmark by the State of Massachusetts and is considered an important part of the region's maritime heritage.

Notable Historical Events

The Newburyport Harbor (Plum Island) Light has played a significant role in the history of navigation in Boston Harbor.

During the American Revolution, the lighthouse was used to guide British warships out of the harbor.

In the 19th century, the light helped to facilitate the growth of trade and commerce in the region.

References

For more information on the Newburyport Harbor (Plum Island) Light, please visit the National Park Service's website or contact the U.S. Coast Guard directly.