Lighthouses have been guiding sailors along the coast of the United States for centuries. These historic structures have become symbols of maritime heritage and have played an important role in ensuring safe navigation for ships and boats. In this article, we will take a look at the oldest lighthouses in the United States by state.
Maine: Portland Head Light
The Portland Head Light, located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is the oldest lighthouse in the state and one of the oldest in the country. Built in 1791, the lighthouse was originally fueled by whale oil, and its light was visible from a distance of 16 miles. Today, it is automated and serves as an active aid to navigation.
Massachusetts: Boston Light
The Boston Light, situated on Little Brewster Island, is the oldest lighthouse in the United States that is still operating. Built in 1716, the lighthouse underwent several renovations and upgrades over the years. During the American Revolution, it was destroyed by the British, but it was later rebuilt and has been in continuous operation since 1783.
Rhode Island: Beavertail Lighthouse
The Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, Rhode Island, is the third-oldest lighthouse in the country. It was constructed in 1749 and served as an important aid to navigation for ships entering Narragansett Bay. In 1856, the original wooden structure was replaced with a stone tower, which still stands today.
Connecticut: New London Harbor Light
The New London Harbor Light, located in New London, Connecticut, was built in 1801. It served as an important aid to navigation for ships entering the Thames River and the harbor. During the War of 1812, the lighthouse was attacked and burned by the British, but it was later rebuilt.
New York: Montauk Point Lighthouse
The Montauk Point Lighthouse, located at the easternmost point of Long Island, New York, was built in 1796. It is the oldest lighthouse in New York State and one of the oldest in the country. The lighthouse played an important role in guiding ships through the treacherous waters of Block Island Sound and Long Island Sound.
New Jersey: Sandy Hook Lighthouse
The Sandy Hook Lighthouse, located in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is the oldest operating lighthouse in the state. Built in 1764, the lighthouse was used to guide ships entering New York Harbor. It is now part of the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area.
Maryland: Sandy Point Shoal Light
The Sandy Point Shoal Light, located in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, was built in 1883. It is the oldest surviving screw-pile lighthouse in the country. The lighthouse served as an important aid to navigation for ships traveling to Baltimore and Annapolis.
Delaware: Harbor of Refuge Light
The Harbor of Refuge Light, located in Lewes, Delaware, was built in 1926 to replace an earlier lighthouse that was destroyed by a storm. It is the oldest lighthouse in Delaware and serves as an active aid to navigation.
Virginia: Cape Henry Lighthouse
The Cape Henry Lighthouse, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was built in 1792. It was the first lighthouse authorized by the US government and served as an important landmark for ships entering Chesapeake Bay. The original structure was destroyed during the Civil War, but it was later rebuilt.
North Carolina: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is the tallest brick lighthouse in the country. It was built in 1870 to replace an earlier lighthouse that was in danger of collapsing due to erosion. The lighthouse played an important role in guiding ships through the dangerous Diamond Shoals.
South Carolina: Georgetown Light
The Georgetown Light, located in Georgetown, South Carolina, was built in 1812. It served as an important aid to navigation for ships traveling up the Santee River to Charleston. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1894 and is now part of a private residence.
Conclusion
Lighthouses have been an important part of maritime history in the United States. From the earliest days of colonial settlement to the present day, these structures have guided ships and boats safely along the coast. The oldest lighthouses in each state are a testament to the enduring legacy of these iconic structures.
