Monomoy Point Light facts for kids
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| Monomoy Point Light in 2010 | |
 Monomoy Point Light
Location in Cape Cod
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| Location | Monomoy Island |
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| Coordinates | 41°33′33.6″N 69°59′37.4″W / 41.559333°N 69.993722°W |
| Year first constructed | 1823 |
| Year first lit | 1849 (current structure) |
| Automated | no |
| Deactivated | 1923 |
| Foundation | Brick |
| Construction | Cast iron with brick lining |
| Tower shape | Cylindrical |
| Markings / pattern | Red with black lantern |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel Lens |
| ARLHS number | USA-510 |
The Monomoy Point Light is a cool old lighthouse located in Chatham, Massachusetts. It's a special part of history on Monomoy Island.
Contents
What is Monomoy Point Light?
This lighthouse helped guide ships safely along the coast for many years. It stands on Monomoy Island, which is a wild and beautiful place. Lighthouses like this one were super important before modern navigation tools existed.
A Lighthouse Built to Last
The first lighthouse at this spot was set up in 1823. It was a wooden tower built right on top of the keeper's house. The keeper was the person who lived there and made sure the light was always shining.
The lighthouse you see today was built in 1849. It's special because it was one of the very first lighthouses made from cast iron. This made it much stronger and more durable than the older wooden ones.
Why Did the Light Go Out?
The Monomoy Point Light was used until 1923. You might wonder why such an important light was turned off. Well, something big happened nearby! In 1914, the Cape Cod Canal opened.
This canal created a much shorter and safer path for ships traveling between the south and the Boston area. Because of the canal, fewer ships needed to pass by Monomoy Point. So, the lighthouse was no longer needed as much and was officially deactivated.
Protecting a Piece of History
Even though the light is no longer active, the Monomoy Point Lighthouse is still very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 1, 1979. This means it's recognized as a significant historical site in the United States.
The old keeper's house, where the lighthouse keeper used to live, is still standing! It has been preserved and is now used as a guest house. Several groups work hard to protect and care for the lighthouse and the keeper's house. These groups include the Lighthouse Preservation Society, the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and The Friends of Monomoy. The lighthouse is located within the Monomoy Wilderness, a protected natural area.
