West Chop Light facts for kids
 |
|
| West Chop Light | |
 West Chop Light
Location in Massachusetts
West Chop Light
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Tisbury, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°28′50.87″N 70°35′59.21″W / 41.4807972°N 70.5997806°W |
| Year first constructed | 1891 |
| Automated | 1976 |
| Tower shape | Conical tower |
| Markings / pattern | White |
| Height | 45 feet (14 m) |
| Focal height | 84 feet (26 m) |
| Range | white 14 nautical miles (26 km; 16 mi), red 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi) |
| Characteristic | Occulting white, 4s, red sector |
| Fog signal | Horn: 1 every 30s |
| USCG number | 13775 |
The West Chop Light is a historic lighthouse located in Tisbury, Massachusetts. It stands proudly at the entrance of Vineyard Haven Harbor, guiding ships safely. This important landmark is found on the northern tip of West Chop, just a short distance from the village of Vineyard Haven.
Contents
A Brief History of West Chop Light
The very first lighthouse at West Chop was built in 1817. It was a 25-foot tall structure made of rubblestone, which is a type of rough stone. Next to it was a home for the lightkeeper.
Moving the Lighthouse
The bluffs (cliffs) where the lighthouse stood were constantly eroding, meaning the land was slowly wearing away. Because of this, the lighthouse had to be moved back from the edge in 1830. It was moved again in 1846 to keep it safe from the eroding land.
The Current Lighthouse Building
The lighthouse you see today is a 45-foot tall brick tower. It was built in 1891. In 1976, West Chop Light became the last lighthouse on Martha's Vineyard to be automated. This means machines took over the job of keeping the light running, so a lightkeeper was no longer needed.
The Original Lens and Public Access
Even though it's automated, the original Fresnel lens is still used today. This special lens helps to focus the light so it can be seen far away. The old homes where the lightkeepers used to live are now empty. They are still owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and are not open to the public.
A Historic Landmark
The West Chop Light Station is recognized as a very important historical site. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987. This means it's protected and valued for its history and architecture.
Meet the First Lightkeeper
The first person to be in charge of the West Chop Light was Captain James Shaw West. He was born in 1777 in Tisbury, Massachusetts. He worked as a lightkeeper for 30 years, from 1818 to 1848. His job was to make sure the light was always shining to guide ships.
Life as a Lightkeeper
Captain West was paid $350 a year for his important work. He and his wife, Charlotte, lived in the lightkeeper's home right next to the lighthouse. During his time as lightkeeper, he oversaw important updates. New lamps were installed in 1829. In 1846, the lighthouse was rebuilt and moved further back from the eroding bluffs. A new home for the lightkeeper was also built at that time.
Retirement and Later Life
In 1848, Captain West retired from his job as lightkeeper when he was about 60 years old. He moved to a new home in Holmes Hole, which is now part of Vineyard Haven. He passed away in 1859 at the age of 81.
Lightkeepers Through the Years
After Captain James Shaw West, several other dedicated people served as lightkeepers for the West Chop Light:
- Charles West (1849–1868)
- Charles P. West (1869-around 1909), Charles West's son
- George F. Dolby (1909–1919)
- James Yates (1919-?)
- Octave Ponsart (1946–1956)
- Sam Fuller has also been mentioned as a lightkeeper.
