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Great Point Lighthouse

Fl WR 5s🇺🇸Southeastern Massachusetts, USOperational

Constructed in 1769, this lighthouse stands on the northernmost point of Nantucket Island. The original wooden structure was replaced by a stone tower erected in 1817, which served until it was toppled in a March 1984 storm. A stone tower replicating the earlier design was rebuilt in 1986 and remains operational. Modern enhancements include solar panels for battery charging and a reinforced foundation to combat erosion. The tower measures 21 meters in height with its focal plane at the same elevation.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is situated on a narrow beach where the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sound currents converge.

Background
Great Point Light, officially Nantucket Light, is a lighthouse located on the northernmost point of Nantucket Island. First built in 1784, the original wooden tower was destroyed by fire in 1816. The following year a stone tower was erected which stood until toppled in a storm in March 1984. Rebuilt again in 1986, the stone tower was built to replicate the old one, and still remains in operation today. Modern additions include solar panels to recharge the light's batteries, and a sheet pile foundation and 5-foot (1.5 m) thick concrete mat to help withstand erosion. The lighthouse sits on a thin spit of beach where the currents of the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sound meet. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 as Nantucket Light and removed after the destruction of the listed structure in 1986.
Characteristic Signature
Fl WR 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Focal Height
21m
Year Built
1769
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place
Tower Height
21m
City
Southeastern Massachusetts
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.3900°
Longitude
-70.0482°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Great Point Lighthouse at night?+
Great Point displays the characteristic Fl WR 5s — 1 wr flash every 5 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 wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Great Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Great Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is NANTUCKET at 6.4 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Chatham (16.9 NM NNE), SHIP SHOPS (17.4 NM NNW), West Yarmouth (18.1 NM NNW), HYANNIS (18.6 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Great Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Great Point 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.
What shipping routes pass near Great Point Lighthouse?+
Great Point 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 Great Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Great Point 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.