Marblehead Light
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 30.333 W 070° 50.050
19T E 349304 N 4707539
Quick Description: At the northernmost point of Marblehead Neck, now Chandler Hovey Park, is the location where a lighthouse has been since 1835.
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 9/20/2007 5:36:58 AM
Waymark Code: WM283G
Views: 26
Long Description:The embedded plaque near the lighthouse reads (highlighting a few
things mentioned in the timeline):
"In July of 1789, Representative Elbridge Gerry, native of
Marblehead, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Vice
President of the United States under President James Madison, filed
H.R. Bill 12 in Congress, officially launching the United States
Lighthouse and Navigational Aid System. The Bill passed the House
of Representatives on July 20, 1789, and passed the Senate on July
31, 1789. It was signed into law by President George Washington on
August 7, 1789.
"1831 - Town petitioned Congress for lighthouse - $4500
approved.
"1833 - Town bought land - 3.97 acres - for $375 - property
later transferred to federal government
"1835 - First light established on July 10 and lit on October 10
- white stone tower with fixed white light, including attached
white dwelling and covered walkway, 23'3" high and 57' above mean
high water - Ezekiel Darling, veteran Gunners Mate on USS
Constitution, first of eleven keepers or "Wickies"
"1883 - Light obscurred by newly built surrounding cottages, an
adjacent 100' mast erected with latern hoisted each night - light
still ineffective.
"1885 - Second light and present tower erected...
...
"1960 - Light Automated
"Plaque Gift of Marblehead 350th Anniversary of Incorporation
Fund
"May 2, 1999"
There is a second plaque with a list of the keepers. The last
one was at the light until 1954. This was placed by the Marblehead
Rotary Club.
The Chandler Hovey Park sits on the northernmost point of
Marblehead Neck. Follow Ocean Avenue, then the One Way signs to the
park.