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Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse

Fl G 6s🇺🇸Northern Massachusetts, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse

A white cylindrical tower stands on Straitsmouth Island, marking the coast of Northern Massachusetts. Originally constructed in 1835, the current tower was erected in 1896 to replace the earlier structure. The light is positioned 14 meters above Mean High Water. Automated in 1967, this light continues to guide mariners. The lighthouse and its associated island are recognized for their historical significance.

Why it matters: This lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

Background
The Straitsmouth Island Light is a lighthouse located on Straitsmouth Island, in Rockport, Massachusetts. The original tower was built in 1835, and replaced by a second tower in 1896. It was automated in 1967, and is still in operation. The United States Coast Guard Light List description is "White cylindrical tower". The actual light is 46 feet (14 meters) above Mean High Water. The Light List name is "Straightsmouth Light", but the island is "Straitsmouth Island" on NOAA charts. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Straitsmouth Island Light in 1987. Straitsmouth Island was owned for many years by the naval architect William Francis Gibbs and his wife, New York socialite and opera supporter, Vera Cravath Gibbs. The island was left to the Massachusetts Audubon Society following the Gibbses' deaths in the 1960s.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl G 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Green
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
14m

Construction & History

Year Built
1835
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7621171 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m

Location

City
Northern Massachusetts
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
42.6622°
Longitude
-70.5881°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse at night?+
Straitsmouth Island displays the characteristic Fl G 6s — 1 green 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Annisquam Harbour at 4.1 NM to the W. Other ports served include LONG WHARF CAUSEWAY (4.8 NM WSW), Gloucester (5.1 NM SW), IPSWICH BAY (9.6 NM WNW), South Hamilton (12.9 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Straitsmouth Island 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 Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Straitsmouth Island 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.