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Sandy Neck Lighthouse

Fl W 6s🇺🇸Southeastern Massachusetts, USInactive

Location & Light Range

About Sandy Neck Lighthouse

Constructed in 1857, Sandy Neck Light stands 16 meters tall with a focal height of 18 meters. This structure first illuminated the waters in the same year of its construction. Located in Southeastern Massachusetts at the entrance to Barnstable Harbor, the lighthouse was discontinued as a federal aid to navigation in 1931. A temporary replacement was later removed in 1952. The light was reactivated in 2007 as a private navigational aid.

Why it matters: Sandy Neck Light is recognized as a contributing property to the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
Sandy Neck Light is a lighthouse on Sandy Neck, in West Barnstable, Massachusetts, at the entrance to Barnstable Harbor. It was first established in 1826. The current tower was built in 1857 and strengthened in the 1880s. It was discontinued in 1931, replaced by a skeleton tower, which was discontinued in 1952. The light was relit as a private aid to navigation in 2007.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
18m

Construction & History

Year Built
1857
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places contributing property

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7417388 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m

Location

City
Southeastern Massachusetts
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.7226°
Longitude
-70.2809°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sandy Neck Lighthouse at night?+
Sandy Neck displays the characteristic Fl W 6s — 1 white 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.
Which ports and harbors does Sandy Neck Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sandy Neck Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is HYANNIS at 4.5 NM to the S. Other ports served include West Yarmouth (4.6 NM SSE), SHIP SHOPS (5.6 NM SE), Osterville (7.7 NM SW), Brewster (9.2 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sandy Neck Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Sandy Neck 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 Sandy Neck Lighthouse?+
Sandy Neck 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 Sandy Neck Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sandy Neck 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.