The original tower was built of granite blocks in 1716 and contained a wooden interior. Fire partially damaged the structure in 1751. Then, during the American Revolution, the tower was blown up by the British. It was rebuilt of rubble masonry to a height of 66 feet in 1783, and reinforced with wrought iron bands, "to prevent its walls from bulging out and falling to pieces." Over the years, constant bouts with moisture so weakened the structure that it was given a major restoration in 1859. The inside was lined with brick and an additional 15 feet was added to its height. Today, the conical white shaft beams a flashing white light from 102 feet above sea level. Boston Lighthouse forms the centerpiece of the seal of the nearby Town of Hull. In 1989, Congress declared Boston Lighthouse would be permanently manned. It is the only station in the country afforded this status. More recently, Little Brewster Island has become part of Boston Islands State Park. While the Coast Guard continues operating the light station, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts intends to provide interpretive exhibits and public access to the island. This lighthouse was active and manned by the Coast Guard at the time of my visit in 2001.
2 comments:
Looks so desolate. Would be a great place to write! Congrats on 10,000 count...and going strong.
Hi Judy;
You're right about looking desolate and a good place to write. Thanks for the congratulations on the 10,000 page views on my blog.
Post a Comment