Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light facts for kids
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Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Front Range Light
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Newburyport, Massachusetts |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1873 |
| Part of | Newburyport Historic District (ID84002411) |
| MPS | Lighthouses of Massachusetts TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 87001486 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 15, 1987 |
| Designated CP | August 2, 1984 |
The Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light is a special kind of lighthouse in Newburyport, Massachusetts. It is one of two historic lights that helped ships navigate safely. When it was built in 1873, it stood at Bayley's Wharf. It worked with another light, the Rear Range Light, to guide ships.
In 1964, the Front Range Light was moved to its current spot. This is on the grounds of the Merrimack River Coast Guard Station. Even though the lights are no longer actively used to guide ships, the Front Range Light still stands. It acts as a daymark, which is a visible marker for sailors during the day.
This historic light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. It was also included in the Newburyport Historic District in 1984.
How Range Lights Guide Ships
Range lights, also called leading lights, are pairs of beacons. They are used to guide ships and make sure they travel safely. These beacons have two lights that are set apart from each other. One light is usually higher than the other.
When a ship lines up the two lights, they appear one above the other. This alignment tells the ship's captain the correct path to follow. It gives them a clear direction or "bearing."
The first range lights at Newburyport Harbor were paid for by private groups. But in 1872, a storm destroyed one of these lights. So, the government decided to pay for new, public range lights. This made sure ships could always find their way.
The Newburyport Front Range Light: A Closer Look
Newburyport's Front Range Light is a round structure. It is made of steel plates and stands about 35 feet (10.7 meters) tall. To get inside, you use a curved, hatch-like door.
At the very top of the tower is a ten-sided lantern house. This is where the light used to shine from. An iron balcony with a railing goes all the way around the lantern house. The windows of the lantern house are covered with wood.
The light was built in 1873 on Bayley's Wharf. This was a short distance west of where it is today. The rear range light was also built around the same time. It stands near Water Street.
Over the years, the light was updated. In 1933, it changed from using coal to electricity. Then, in 1952, it became automated. This meant it could work without someone always being there. Around 1961, a 20-foot (6.1-meter) hexagonal part was added to make the tower taller. However, this part has since been removed. The tower was moved to its current location in 1964. The Coast Guard station was built at this site in 1972.
