Annisquam Lighthouse

Year Built

1801

Cost

$2,000

Type

Cylindrical

Height

45 feet

Location

Wigwam Point, Gloucester

Automated Year

1974

First Lit

1897

Lens Type

Fifth order Fresnel lens (original), 7.5 inches (190 mm) (current)

Fog Signal

19th century: Bell - 1931: Horn, 2 every 60s

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

White with black lantern

Last Keeper - Date

James Deo (1972 – 1974)

Description

An octagonal wooden tower and lighthouse keeper's house.

Brief History

•  The light’s first keeper was James Day, a Gloucester native, who was provided an annual salary of $200.
•  The building fell into disrepair and, in 1851, was replaced by an octagonal wooden tower of the same height.
•  In 1897, the current brick lighthouse was built on the same foundation as the previous two constructions.
•  In 1931, a foghorn was installed, but until 1949, it was used only from October 15 to May 15 to spare summer residents the noise.
•  In 2000, a major restoration of the tower was conducted by the Coast Guard.