Marblehead Lighthouse

Year Built

1835 replaced 1895

Cost

$4,500

Type

Square skeletal tower

Height

105 feet

Location

Marblehead Neck

Automated Year

1960

First Lit

1835 (original light)

Lens Type

Sixth-Order Fresnel lens (original), 300 millimetres (12 in) (current)

Fog Signal

Fog bell: bell struck by machinery single and double blows alternately, intervals 30 sec.

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

Brown with black gallery and lantern

Last Keeper - Date

Harry S. Marden (1938 – 1941)

Description

A skeletal frame rather than rebuilding the old tower is all that remains.

Brief History

•  A 23 foot white tower and keepers cottage was attached by a covered walkway were built in the rear of a small fort.
•  From 1895 to 1896 the present 105‘ high cast iron skeletal tower with a Black lantern room was built.
•  In 1933 the lights characteristics were changed to a fixed red. And now it’s currently a fixed green.
•  Marblehead Lighthouse was automated in 1960, and its Fresnel lens was replaced by a modern optic and the keeper's house was demolished.
•  In 1993 the Lighthouse was sandblasted and repainted military brown.