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Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse

Fl R 6s🇺🇸Southeastern Massachusetts, USInactive

Location & Light Range

About Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse

A red, cast-iron tower stands 13.5 meters tall and was built in 1939. The lighthouse was originally situated on an artificial island, approximately 400 meters from the shore. Over time, sand accumulation has connected the structure to the mainland. The light emits a white flash with a geographic range of 5 nautical miles. It was first lit in 1828, though the current tower dates from 1939, replacing an earlier wooden structure that also served as a keeper's house.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
Edgartown Harbor Light is a lighthouse located in Edgartown, Massachusetts, United States, where it marks the entrance to Edgartown Harbor and Katama Bay. It is one of five lighthouses on the island of Martha's Vineyard. The first lighthouse, a two-story wooden structure that also served as the keeper's house, was constructed in 1828. It was demolished, and replaced by the current cast-iron tower, in 1939. Originally located on an artificial island 1/4 miles (~ 400 meters) from shore, the lighthouse is now surrounded by a beach formed, since 1939, by sand accumulating around the stone causeway connecting it to the mainland.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl R 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
13.5m
Geographic Range
5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1828
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5337606 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13.5m
Tower Color
red

Location

City
Southeastern Massachusetts
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.3907°
Longitude
-70.5030°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse at night?+
Edgartown Harbor 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 Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Edgartown at 0.3 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Oak Bluffs (4.8 NM NNW), VINEYARD HAVEN (5.8 NM NW), East Falmouth (10.1 NM NNW), FALMOUTH (10.4 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Edgartown Harbor 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.
What shipping routes pass near Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse?+
Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Edgartown Harbor 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.