East Chop

Alternate Name(s):
Telegraph Hill
Year Established:
1869
Existing:
Yes
Download:
IMG_7263.jpeg (623.96 KB)
File Type:
jpeg (image/jpeg)
Photo Date:
2012
Photo Credit:
Jeremy D'Entremont
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
MARTHAS VINEYARD/VINEYARD HAVEN ENTRANCE
Latitude:
41° 28.2'
Longitude:
70° 34.1'
City / Town:
OAK BLUFFS
U.S. State:
Massachusetts
Location County:
DUKES
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Owner / Manager:
MARTHAS VINEYARD MUSEUM
Open to Public:
Yes
Light List Data:
  1. East Chop
Light list data courtesy Gary Riemenschneider

STRUCTURE

Year Tower Established:
1877
Tower Construction Material:
CAST IRON
Tower Foundation:
CONCRETE
Height of light above mean high water, in feet:
79
Height, in feet, from base of structure to center of lantern:
40
Tower Shape:
CONICAL
Fog Signal Building?:
No
Keeper's Quarters?:
No
Year Keeper's Quarters:
1877
Keeper's Quarters Style:
GOTHIC REVIVAL
Other Structures:
NONE

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
Yes
Current Optic:
300 MM
Private Aid:
No
Year Automated:
1933
USCG Access to Optics:
Yes

Comments:

-Captain Silas Daggett had petitioned for a lighthouse on East Chop similar to the 1817 West Chop lighthouse. When none was forthcoming, in 1869 he completed construction of his own; naming it "Coaster's Light." 

-Daggett published a Notice To Mariners stating: "The undersigned has at a considerable expense erected a Lighthouse (to be known as the “Coaster’s Light”) on the East Chop of Holmes’ Hole Harbor. The height of the lantern above the level of the sea is about sixty feet, from which a fixed red light will be exhibited on and after June 5. Captains, owners and underwriters of vessels cannot fail to appreciate the convenience of the Light, and should therefore be willing to contribute to its support. Silas Daggett, Branch Pilot, Holmes’ Hole, Mass."

-The structure was destroyed in a fire in December 1871. Daggett would reconstruct the structure, relighting her on May 2, 1872.

-In 1875 Congress finally appropriated $5,000 for a new East Chop lighthouse station, purchasing the property from Capt. Daggett


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