Eastham in Barnstable County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Nauset Beach Light Station
a Shifting Landmark
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, September 20, 2019
1. Nauset Beach Light Station Marker
Erected by Cape Cod National Seashore and the Nauset Light Preservation Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Disasters • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 41° 51.616′ N, 69° 57.153′ W. Marker is in Eastham, Massachusetts, in Barnstable County. Marker is on Nauset Beach Rd, 0.2 miles north of Cable Rd., on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 Nauset Beach Rd, Eastham MA 02642, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Nauset Lights (within shouting distance of this marker); Keeping the Light for 114 Years (within shouting distance of this marker); Pushed Back by the Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); The Long, Black Cable (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Sisters Lit the Way (approx.
this page online
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, September 20, 2019
2. Marker detail: 1838 and 1875
1838: The original light station consisted of three fifteen-foot-high masonry towers, a brick keepers house, an outhouse, and a well.
1875: A second keeper’s residence was added to the light station. This wooden house is the one you see before you.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, September 20, 2019
3. Marker detail: 1877
1887: Two white cast iron lighthouses were constructed in Chatham, Massachusetts, the third generation of twin towers at that location.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, September 20, 2019
4. Marker detail: 1892 and 1911
1892: Due to erosion, the original “Three Sisters” lighthouses were replaced by three 22-foot-high wooden towers. These lighthouses have been restored and you can visit them, a short walk from here. The brick oil house was constructed in 1891.
1911: The center tower was moved back from the edge of the bluff , and the two outer were removed. Instead of three stationary lanterns, a revolving (flashing) light was installed in the center tower.
In 1912, the original brick keeper’s house was demolished.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, September 20, 2019
5. Marker Detail: 1923 And 1940
1923: The second tower in Chatham was no longer needed, so it was disassembled and moved to Eastham.
1940: The top of the lighthouse was painted red to aid in daytime identification, giving Nauset Light its iconic look.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, September 20, 2019
6. Marker Detail :1950s and 1996
1950s: Electricity came to Eastham and Nauset Light was automated. The lighthouse keeper was no longer needed and the keeper’s house was sold.
1996: The Nauset Light Preservation Society (formed in 1994) raised funds to help move the lighthouse and the oil house to their present location. Two years later, the keeper’s house was moved.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, September 20, 2019
7. Nauset Beach Light Station and Marker
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, September 20, 2019
8. Nauset Beach Light Station
Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 23, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 7, 8. submitted on October 26, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
