Nauset Beach Light Station

Nauset Beach Light Station. a Shifting Landmark. , In 1836, in response to numerous shipwrecks in the area, 21 residents of Eastham petitioned the Boston Marine Society for a lighthouse. The first Nauset Beach Light Station was built more than 500 feet east of this spot. Because of constant beach erosion, the light station had to be moved westward four times, so far., 1838 , The original light station consisted of three 15-foot-high masonry towers, a brick keeper's 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., 1877 , Two white cast iron lighthouses were constructed in Chatham, Massachusetts, the third generation of twin towers at that location, 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 towers were removed. Instead of the there stationary lanterns a revolving (flashing) light was installed in the center tower., In 1912, the original brick keeper's house was demolished., 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., 1950s , Electricity came to Eastham and Nauset Light was automated. Th 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 keepers house was moved.