Great Point Light facts for kids
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| Great Point Lighthouse | |
 Great Point Light
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Great Point, the northerly extremity of Nantucket, Massachusetts Island, southerly side of the easterly end of Nantucket Sound. |
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| Coordinates | 41°23′24.6″N 70°2′53.8″W / 41.390167°N 70.048278°W |
| Year first constructed | 1769 |
| Year first lit | 1986 (current tower replaced destroyed 1818 tower) |
| Automated | circa 1955 |
| Deactivated | 1984, rebuilt 1986 |
| Foundation | Concrete |
| Construction | Stone, Concrete and Plastic |
| Tower shape | Cylindrical |
| Markings / pattern | White tower with covered way and white framed dwelling, black lantern room, small white oil-house to southward of dwelling |
| Height | 70 feet (21 m), 71 feet (22 m) above sea level. |
| Focal height | 71 feet (22 m) |
| Original lens | Third order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | VRB-25 system |
| Range | white 14 nautical miles (26 km; 16 mi), Red 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing white 5s with a red sector from 084° to 106°. Covers Cross Rip and Tuckernuck Shoals. |
| Fog signal | None |
| USCG number | 1-545 |
The Great Point Light, officially called Nantucket Light, is a historic lighthouse located on the northernmost tip of Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. Lighthouses like this one are important because they help guide ships safely past dangerous areas. This particular lighthouse has a long and interesting history, having been rebuilt several times after being destroyed by fire and storms. Today, it still stands tall, helping sailors navigate the waters where the Atlantic Ocean meets Nantucket Sound.
Contents
Great Point Lighthouse: A Guiding Light for Sailors
Lighthouses are like giant flashlights for ships. They send out strong beams of light to warn sailors about rocky shores, shallow waters, or other dangers. They also help ships figure out where they are, especially at night or in foggy weather. Before modern navigation tools, lighthouses were absolutely vital for safe travel on the ocean.
Why is Great Point a Special Place for a Lighthouse?
Great Point is a very important spot for a lighthouse. It's a thin strip of beach where strong ocean currents meet. This area can be tricky for ships to navigate. The lighthouse's job is to shine a light across these waters, especially over areas called "shoals." Shoals are shallow spots in the water that can be dangerous for boats. The Great Point Light helps ships avoid these hidden hazards.
A History of Rebuilding: The Lighthouse's Resilience
The Great Point Light has faced many challenges over the years, but it has always been rebuilt. This shows how important it is!
The First Lighthouse: Built in 1784
The very first lighthouse at Great Point was built in 1784. It was made of wood. Imagine a wooden tower standing strong against the ocean winds! Sadly, this original tower was destroyed by a fire in 1816.
The Stone Tower: Built in 1817
After the fire, a new lighthouse was built in 1817. This time, it was made of stone. Stone is much stronger and more resistant to fire than wood. This stone tower stood for many years, guiding countless ships. However, nature can be very powerful. In March 1984, a fierce storm hit the coast and toppled the stone tower. It was a sad day for those who relied on its light.
The Modern Lighthouse: Rebuilt in 1986
Even though the stone tower was destroyed, the need for a lighthouse at Great Point remained. So, in 1986, a new stone tower was built. This new tower was designed to look just like the old one, keeping its historic appearance. But it also included modern improvements to make it even stronger.
How the Lighthouse Works Today
The current Great Point Light uses advanced technology to keep shining brightly.
Modern Technology for a Stronger Lighthouse
To help the lighthouse stand strong against erosion (when the land wears away from water and wind), it has a special foundation. This includes a sheet pile foundation and a thick concrete mat. These features help anchor the lighthouse firmly to the ground.
Powering the Light
The light itself is powered by batteries. These batteries are recharged using solar panels. This means the lighthouse uses clean, renewable energy from the sun! The light system inside is called a VRB-25 system, which is a modern way to create a powerful, flashing light. It flashes white every 5 seconds. There's also a special red section of light that covers specific dangerous areas called Cross Rip and Tuckernuck Shoals.
Recognized for its History
The Great Point Light has been recognized for its historical importance. In 1982, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to the country's history. However, after the 1984 storm destroyed the listed structure, it was removed from the register in 1986. Even so, its history and continued service make it a very special landmark.
