HIGHLAND
LIGHT
NAUSET
LIGHT
NOBSKA
LIGHT
CHATHAM
LIGHT
RACE POINT
LIGHT
LOCATION: Chatham, MA at the elbow of Cape Cod, southeast of downtown Chatham.
HISTORY: First erected in 1808, the second oldest lighthouse on Cape Cod, Chatham Light began as twin towers, two 40" wood structures, 70' apart. In 1841, two brick towers replaced the original ones, with 4th order fresnel lenses being added in 1857. In 1879, disaster struck when the south tower fell over the cliff. Two years later, the north tower and keepers house followed suit. Fortunately, in 1877, the fresnel lenses had been removed, to be installed in two new brick-lined cast-iron towers, which became operational in 1881. In 1923, with multiple lighthouse towers no longer needed, the north tower was moved to North Eastham to become the new Nauset Light. Electricity was added to Chatham Light in 1939, and then, in 1969, aerobeacons replaced the fresnel lens. The entire operation was automated in 1982 and now serves as a Coast Guard station.
DIRECTIONS: Following Route 28 from either direction until you reach the rotary ( traffic circle) for downtown Chatham (you'll notice all the shops), turn onto Main Street and head through the downtown section. At the end of Main Street, turn right onto Shore Rd, and following it to the lighthouse. Parking for the lighthouse is directly opposite the lighthouse.
OTHER INFO: White light (aerobeacons), double flash, twice every 10 seconds. It is 80' above sea level, visible for 24 nautical miles. (Take a side trip up Shore Rd (heading north) to the Chatham Fishing Pier to watch the fishing boats unload their catch of the day.)
PHOTO TIPS: Sunrise and AM lighting for the front of the lighthouse. Use sunset and dusk if you want the lighthouse to be silhouetted in the picture, or if you want a colorful sunset sky in the background of a flashing beacon. Use afternoon sun if wanted to photograph the back side of the lighthouse.