Massachusetts, Barnstable County, Orleans
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In 1838 the United States Government took action to reduce the number of shipwrecks along this dangerous coast by establishing the Nauset Light.
To make the signal easily recognizable three separate lanterns were set on small brick towers about 150 feet (45m) apart.
In 1838 the United States Government took action to reduce the number of shipwrecks along this dangerous coast by establishing the Nauset Light.
To make the signal easily recognizable three separate lanterns were set on small brick towers about 150 feet (45m) apart.Unfortunately, the brick "Three Sisters" were built too close to the eroding cliff which threatened to undermine them. In 1892 they were replaced by wooden towers built farther back from the edge. Today's Nauset Light is located just north of here. From 1923 until 1981 it carried on the tradition of the retired "Three Sisters" by flashing three times every ten seconds. The present light flashes an alternating red and white pattern.
During the day, lightkeepers kept a "Record of Passing Vessels." This page from August 1870 documents the heavy traffic off the Cape in those days.
(Landmarks • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
