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

Inscription. 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.

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 County. Marker is at the intersection of Cable Road and Nauset Light Beach Rd on Cable Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Orleans MA 02653, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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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); Three Sisters Lit the Way (approx. ¼ mile away); Doane Rock (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Outermost House (approx. 1.2 miles away); Journey of the Mayflower (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orleans.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 22, 2012

2. 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.

Record of Passing Vessels image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 22, 2012

3. 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.

The Nauset Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 22, 2012

4. The Nauset Lighthouse

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 22, 2012

5. The Nauset Lighthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 608 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on October 24, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 17, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.