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Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse

Fl W 6s🇺🇸Southeastern Massachusetts, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse

The Tarpaulin Cove Light stands on Naushon Island in southeastern Massachusetts, part of the Elizabeth Islands. The current tower was constructed in 1891, replacing an earlier light station. The tower measures 8.5 meters tall, with its light positioned 24 meters above mean high water. It emits a white light visible for 9 nautical miles. A keeper's house built concurrently with the tower no longer exists.

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

Background
The Tarpaulin Cove Light is a historic lighthouse on Naushon Island, one of the Elizabeth Islands of southern Massachusetts. It is located in the town of Gosnold, Massachusetts. Built on the site of a light station first established privately in the 18th century, the current tower dates from 1891. A keeper's house built at the same time has not survived. The light is 78 feet (24 m) above Mean High Water, and its white light is visible for 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi).

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
24m

Construction & History

Year Built
1818
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7686574 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m

Location

City
Southeastern Massachusetts
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.4688°
Longitude
-70.7575°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse at night?+
Tarpaulin Cove 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 Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is WOODS HOLE at 5.1 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Menemsha (7.1 NM S), VINEYARD HAVEN (7.2 NM E), FALMOUTH (8.4 NM NE), Oak Bluffs (9 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tarpaulin Cove 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 Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse?+
Tarpaulin Cove 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 Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tarpaulin Cove 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.