Old Scituate Light facts for kids
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| Old Scituate Light in Scituate | |
 Old Scituate Light
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Cedar Point, Scituate Harbor, Scituate, Massachusetts |
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| Coordinates | 42°12′17.1″N 70°42′57″W / 42.204750°N 70.71583°W |
| Year first lit | 1811 |
| Deactivated | 1860–1994 |
| Foundation | Natural/emplaced |
| Construction | Granite/brick |
| Tower shape | Octagonal |
| Markings / pattern | white with green lantern room roof |
| Height | 25 feet (7.6 m), 70 feet (21 m) above sea level |
| Original lens | Pan lamp 1811, Fresnel lens 1855 |
| Characteristic | Flashing white 15s, private aid |
| USCG number | 1-12275 |
The Old Scituate Light, also known as Scituate Light, is a famous historic lighthouse. You can find it on Cedar Point in Scituate, Massachusetts. This important building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Contents
The Story of Scituate Light
Building a New Lighthouse
In May 1810, the United States government decided to build a lighthouse. They set aside $4,000 for a light at the entrance of Scituate Harbor. The lighthouse was finished quickly. It was ready on September 19, 1811. This made it the 11th lighthouse ever built in the United States.
Heroic Sisters: The Lighthouse Army of Two
During the War of 1812, something amazing happened here. In September 1814, British soldiers tried to attack Scituate. But two brave sisters, Rebecca and Abagail Bates, stopped them. They are known as "The Lighthouse Army of Two".
The sisters played their fife and drum very loudly. The British soldiers heard the music. They thought it was the Scituate town militia (local soldiers) coming to fight. Because of this, the British quickly left. The sisters saved the town!
Changes and Repairs Over Time
In 1850, the Scituate Light was turned off. A new lighthouse, the Minot's Ledge Light, was being built nearby. But in 1852, a big storm destroyed the first Minot's Ledge Light. So, Scituate Light was turned back on. It even got a new, brighter Fresnel lens in 1855.
By 1860, a second, stronger Minot's Ledge Light was built. Scituate Light was turned off again. For the next 60 years, the lighthouse slowly fell apart.
Saving the Lighthouse
In 1916, the lighthouse was put up for sale. The town of Scituate bought it in 1917 for $4,000. This was the same amount it cost to build it!
In 1930, a new lantern (the top part with the light) was added. By 1962, the lighthouse needed more help. The Scituate Historical Society raised $6,500 for important repairs.
A New Light for Scituate
The lighthouse was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This means it's a very important historical site.
In 1991, the light was turned on again. At first, you could only see it from land. But in 1994, it became a "private aid to navigation." This means boats could see its light from the sea.
Today, the Scituate Historical Society sometimes offers tours. The house next to the lighthouse, where the keeper used to live, is now a private home.
