ANNISQUAM HARBOR

Alternate Name(s):
Annisquam, Squam, Wigwam Point
Type:
Year Established:
1801
Existing:
Yes
Annisquam Harbor Light Station
Download:
File Type:
jpg (image/jpeg)
Photo Date:
2014
Photo Credit:
Jeremy D'Entremont
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
WIGWAM POINT/IPSWICH BAY
Latitude:
42° 39.7'
Longitude:
70° 40.9'
City / Town:
ANNISQUAM
U.S. State:
Massachusetts
Location County:
ESSEX
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Owner / Manager:
U.S. Coast Guard
Open to Public:
No
Light List Data:
  1. ANNISQUAM HARBOR
Light list data courtesy Gary Riemenschneider

STRUCTURE

Year Tower Established:
1897
Tower Construction Material:
BRICK
Tower Foundation:
STONE
Height of light above mean high water, in feet:
45
Height, in feet, from base of structure to center of lantern:
41
Tower Shape:
CYLINDRICAL ATTACHED TO GARAGE
Fog Signal Building?:
No
Keeper's Quarters?:
Yes
Year Keeper's Quarters:
1801
Keeper's Quarters Style:
SHINGLE
Keeper's Quarters Construction:
WOOD FRAME
Other Structures:
OIL HOUSE, GARAGE, WALKWAY (REPLACED IN 1978)

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
Yes
Current Optic:
VRB-25
Original Optic Type:
FIFTH ORDER, FRESNEL
Private Aid:
No
Year Automated:
1974
USCG Access to Optics:
Yes
Comments:

Historical Information:

  • 1801: Annisquam is the oldest of five light stations that aid navigation around Cape Ann.  The keeper’s house (1801) is considered the oldest keeper's house on the U.S., although it has been altered. Rudyard Kipling lived in Annisquam Village while writing "Captain’s Courageous" – a great literary tribute to Gloucester fishermen.
  • 1801: 32-foot wooden tower built.
  • 1851: 40-foot octagonal wooden lighthouse tower replaced the original one.
  • 1897: Extant brick tower built.
  • 1974: The 4th order Fresnel lens and foghorn were automated. 

Source: Jeremy D'Entremont, "The Lighthouses of Massachusetts"

Entered by:
t.wheeler
Entered Date:
Jul 20, 2017