Boston Light 💡 Is The First Light House In The United States
Boston Light lighthouse on Little Brewster island.
The famous Boston Light: let's dive into the fascinating history, a few wild moments, and what this legendary beacon is up to these days.
1729 illustration showing signal cannon in right background
History: A Blast from the Past
In 1716, the Massachusetts Bay Colony realized the need for some maritime guidance, so they built a light house on Little Brewster Island, right at the entrance to Boston Harbor.
Three Important Moments in Boston Light's History
1. The Revolutionary Drama: Picture this—it's 1776, and tensions are running high as the American Revolution heats up. During the Battle of Boston, the British Redcoats set their sights on Boston Light, knowing it would mess with American ship traffic. But guess what? The Patriots said, "Not today!" They took down the lighthouse and buried the lens to prevent the British from using it. Sneaky move.
2. Keepers, the Unsung Heroes: Boston Light had a long line of dedicated keepers who braved the elements and kept the beacon shining bright. One legendary keeper was Joshua James, known as the "Hero of the Harbor." Joshua saved over 500 lives during his tenure—talk about being a real-life superhero! We owe these keepers a big shoutout for their unwavering commitment.
3. Fire and Fury: Fast forward to 1960 when disaster struck Boston Light. A tragic fire consumed the keeper's house, reducing it to ashes. Quickly, the Coast Guard came to the rescue, rebuilt the house, and installed an automated light system. Phew!
1729 illustration showing signal cannon in right background
The "Beacon" of Boston Harbor
Now, let's pinpoint this iconic lighthouse on the map. Boston Light stands tall on Little Brewster Island, about nine miles east of downtown Boston. You can't miss it—it's the lone ranger surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Atlantic. You'll need a boat or a helicopter to get there, but it's worth the adventure.
Present-Day: Still Shining Bright
So, what's Boston Light up to today? Well, it’s still kickin' and serving its purpose. Although the Coast Guard automated the light system, there's still a resident keeper who keeps an eye on things and maintains the historic property. Tours are available during the summer, so you can soak up some history and get a dose of that salty sea air.
A Lighthouse Steeped in Legends
There you have, Boston Light, the OG lighthouse of the United States. From its humble beginnings in the 18th century to surviving wars, fires, and technological advancements, this beacon has seen it all.
Have you visited Boston Light? Let us know in the comments!
