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Derby Wharf Lighthouse

Fl R 6s🇺🇸Northern Massachusetts, USInactive

The Derby Wharf Light Station, built in 1871, stands as a red, 4-meter tall square tower in Northern Massachusetts. Its focal height reaches 7.5 meters above the water, and it emits a red light with a geographic range of 4 nautical miles. The light characteristic is a single flash. Though no longer operational, it was first lit in the same year it was constructed. The U.S. Park Service maintains this structure.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

Background
Derby Wharf Light Station is a historic lighthouse on Derby Wharf in Salem, Massachusetts that is within the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. It was built in 1871 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The United States Coast Guard Light List description is "White square tower. Maintained by the U.S. Park Service". The actual light is 25 feet (7.6 m) above Mean High Water. Its red light is visible for 4 nautical miles (7.4 km; 4.6 mi).
Characteristic Signature
Fl R 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
7.5m
Geographic Range
4NM
Year Built
1871
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place
Admiralty No.
LLNR 10129
Wikidata
Q5261523
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
Tower Height
4m
Tower Color
red
City
Northern Massachusetts
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
42.5166°
Longitude
-70.8836°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Derby Wharf Lighthouse at night?+
Derby Wharf displays the characteristic Fl R 6s — 1 red flash every 6 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. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Derby Wharf Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Derby Wharf Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Salem at 0 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include PICKERING WHARF (0.2 NM W), Beverly (1.3 NM NNW), Marblehead (1.9 NM SE), Liberty (2.3 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Derby Wharf Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Derby Wharf Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
How can I track vessels near Derby Wharf Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Derby Wharf 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.