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Boston Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇺🇸Boston Outer Harbor, Brewster Island, Massachusetts, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Boston Lighthouse

The current Boston Light structure dates from 1783, standing 27 meters tall with a focal height of 31 meters. Its white tower emits a single white flash. The lighthouse has a geographic range of 27 nautical miles. It was first lit in 1716, making it the earliest lighthouse in the United States. Although automated in 1998, it remains staffed by the United States Coast Guard.

Why it matters: Designated a National Historic Landmark, this light is the first built in the United States and the second oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the country.

Background
Boston Light is a lighthouse located on Little Brewster Island in outer Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. The first lighthouse to be built on the site dates back to 1716, and was the first lighthouse to be built in what is now the United States. The current lighthouse dates from 1783. It is the second oldest working lighthouse in the United States (after Sandy Hook Lighthouse in New Jersey) and is the only lighthouse to still be actively staffed by the United States Coast Guard despite its automation in 1998. The structure was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
31m
Geographic Range
27NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1716
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
LLNR 425
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q2895493 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Boston Outer Harbor, Brewster Island, Massachusetts
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
42.3279°
Longitude
-70.8901°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Boston Lighthouse at night?+
Boston displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white flash every 10 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Boston Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Boston Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is WINTHROP at 4.4 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include NORTH WEYMOUTH (5.2 NM SSW), SOUTH BOSTON (6.1 NM W), QUINCY (6.3 NM SW), COHASSET (6.9 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Boston Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Boston Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Boston Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Boston Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.