Orleans in Barnstable County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Nauset Lights
Cape Cod National Seashore
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 22, 2012
1. The Nauset Lights Marker
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.
Erected by Cape Cod National Seashore.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 41° 51.607′ N, 69° 57.172′ W. Marker is in Orleans, Massachusetts, in Barnstable
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Massachusetts’ Cape Cod. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Keeping the Light for 114 Years (within shouting distance of this marker); Nauset Beach Light Station (within shouting distance of this marker); The Long, Black Cable (within shouting distance of this marker); Pushed Back by the Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); Adapting to Nature (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Three Sisters Lit the Way (approx. Ό mile away); Doane Rock (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Outermost House (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou
2. The Nauset Lights Marker
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 22, 2012
3. The Nauset Lights Marker
When this photo was taken in the 1890's, Nauset Light consisted of three small towers called the "Three Sisters." Today the National Park Service maintains the relocated Three Sisters as an historic exhibit.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 22, 2012
4. Record of Passing Vessels
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.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 22, 2012
5. The Nauset Lighthouse
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 22, 2012
6. The Nauset Lighthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 908 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on October 24, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. Photos: 1. submitted on February 17, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 2. submitted on July 26, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 17, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
