Lighthouses were crucial for maritime communication and navigation throughout history. Light from their summits served as navigational aids and cautions for sailors. A lighthouse has been a symbol of nautical touch for generations. Even though the first lighthouse on Cape Cod wasn't constructed until 1797, its history extends back to at least 280 B.C. A more significant number of lighthouses appeared as our country developed along its coastline. As technology improved and more communication channels opened up between ship and shore, the lighthouse requirement began to wane. Many lighthouses built along the coast are still operational, making for fascinating historical landmarks. The Cape's many historic lighthouses constitute a significant draw for visitors and residents alike.

The Upper Cape's Lighthouses For Eco Tours

The Lighthouse At Nobska Point

Nobska Point Lighthouse in Falmouth, Cape Cod, is a well-known landmark due to its location at the meeting point of the Nantucket but instead Vineyard Sounds. Along with the 40-foot cast-iron tower, a keeper's house was constructed. A second keeper's house was added in 1905 and connected to the original structure. In 1985, the Nobska lighthouse was automated, and since then, it has served as the official residence of the U.S. Coast Guard's highest-ranking officer. This tower was added to the Unesco World Heritage List in 1987 but lost its final commander only in 2013 and is now empty.

Lighthouse At Wings' Neck

Wings Neck Point protrudes into Buzzards Bay, and the Wings Neck Lighthouse in Bourne may be found there. After a fire and years of neglect, the tower completed in 1849 had to be replaced in 1889. The previous Cape-style home was demolished to make way for the new keeper's quarters. This Cape Cod lighthouse tower has been one of the most crucial for decades, guiding ships into and out of the harbour. However, the government sold that one to Frank and Irene Flanagan in 1947, and the couple lived there happily until 1999 when they retired. The keeper's quarters have undergone extensive refurbishment ever since. The top of the Wings Neck Lighthouse, where the light was initially housed, is accessible via a ladder and spiral staircase for a monthly rental fee.

Lighthouses In Mid-Cape Cod For Photos And Tours

Lighthouse At Sandy Neck

In 1826, while the local fishing and whaling industries were booming, construction began on the first Sandy Neck Lighthouse at the mouth of Barnstable Harbor. In 1857, the wooden tower was taken down, and the current brick one was built. To complement the tower, a keeper's residence designed in the Victorian style was constructed in 1880. The lighthouse was reinforced for a crack in 1887, and despite the decline in shipping activity, it continued to serve the community until 1931. But since 2007, when a new lantern was added, Sandy Neck Lighthouse has been shining its green beacon as a private navigational aid for mariners. You can't climb the privately owned tower, but you can get a great view of it from the water on several trips and charters.

Hyannis Rear Range Light

The Hyannis Rear Range Light, often known as the South Hyannis Lighthouse, was first lit in 1849. Given that its primary function was to direct ships onto the dock, its height of just 20 feet makes it much shorter than other towers. In 1851, a keeper's home with a covered path to the tower was built. Hyannis Rear Range Light must have been turned off and sold at auction in 1929 because of the decline in maritime activity that began in the early 20th century. It was in 1986 that the lamp was replaced after being used privately. From Harbor Rd's terminus, the tower is visible.

Harbor Light In Hyannis (Lewis Bay Light)

Located in Hyannis Harbor, that tower was once known as Lewis Bay Light. This conical brick tower was constructed and placed into operation in 1849, as Hyannis developed as a commercial as well as a fishing port throughout the early to mid-1800s. During the 1850s and 1860s, improvements were made to the tower's light. Hyannis Wharves Light has been held privately by Alan Granby as well as Janice Hyland since 1985. The tower accompanying the keeper's quarters has been updated and kept to an astonishing degree. Various points around the coast provide excellent photographic opportunities.

Lighthouse At Bass River

Bass River Lighthouse, near West Dennis, was among the last Cape Cod lights to be constructed, being added upon a giant keeper's house in 1855. Safe passage for cargo and fishing fleets was ensured by its light, which replaced a lantern inside an attic window. Once extinguished in 1880, this same light was switched again on in 1881 and served as a beacon until 1914. In 1933, a private owner renovated and enlarged the keeper's home to fit a hotel. The tower was relighted in 1989 and stayed on whenever the inn opened.

Conclusion

A trip to Cape Cod is well worth both time and money. To impress your friends and family back home and convince them to come along on your next adventure, it's a good idea to have a camera or a reasonably capable smartphone with you.