Eastern Point Lighthouse Negative

Eastern Point Lighthouse is situated at the eastern tip of Massachusetts’ Gloucester Harbor. Known as America’s oldest seaport, the harbor has supported fishermen, whalers, traders, and even smugglers since 1616. The Perfect Storm, which was filmed locally and featured the beautiful Eastern Point Lighthouse, illustrates a natural danger awaiting those who depend upon the sea for a living — storms. Between 1830 and 1910, 779 vessels and 5,305 persons out of Gloucester were lost at sea. The Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial, located on the edge of the harbor, honors the Gloucester fishermen lost at sea, including 249 that were lost in 1879.
 
Construction on the light began in 1831 and cost $2,579. Samuel Friend converted the former daymarker into a lighthouse through the addition of a wrought iron lantern and a copper dome. The fixed white light in the thirty-foot tower first shone on January 1, 1832. 
 
Between April 28 and June 30 of 1890, a temporary light was established fifteen feet south of the lighthouse so the 1848 brick tower could be demolished and the present thirty-six-foot-tall, cylindrical brick tower built on its foundation. The old covered way that linked the dwelling to the tower was also demolished at this time, and a new bell tower was erected on a more advantageous site.