THE LIGHTHOUSES OF CAPE ANN

Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse
White light flashing every 7.5 seconds with red sector.
Annisquam light was erected in 1801 to mark the entrance to the Annisquam River at Wigwam Point. The river connected Ipswich Bay to Gloucester harbor following the construction of the Blynman Canal. Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse's wooden frame was replaced with the existing brick tower in 1897. The quaint light is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard and is accessible from the nearby village of Annisquam in Gloucester.
Driving Instructions: Take Washington Street (Route 127N) to Annisquam, turning onto Leonard Street at the Annisquam Village Church. Take a right onto Norwood Heights. Follow road to fork, bearing right at the fork. Follow road around to left and take a right at the end of the road. Enter the lighthouse parking lot through the gate on the left. Parking is limited to 15 minutes for viewing and photographs. Parking limitation strictly enforced.

Straightsmouth Island Lighthouse
Green light flashing every 6 seconds.
Straightsmouth Island Lighthouse was built in 1835 to mark the entrance to nearby Rockport Harbor. The relatively small lighthouse is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard but, the island itself is owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society as a bird and wildlife sanctuary. The light is easily seen from the tip of Bearskin Neck in downtown Rockport.

Thacher Island Twin Lighthouses
White light flashing five times at 20 second intervals.
Also known as Cape Ann Light Station, these twin lights are the only surviving multiple lights on the coasts of the United States. The original 45-foot towers were constructed and lit in 1789-making them among the oldest of America's lighthouses. The stout 124 foot granite towers seen today replaced the original lights in 1861. The two towers were constructed so that when a ship sites on both towers, they point to true north-allowing sailors to check and adjust their compasses.

Eastern Point Lighthouse
White light flashing every 5 seconds.
Eastern Point Lighthouse was erected on Gloucester's Eastern Point to mark the harbor entrance in 1832. In addition to the light, there is a large lighthouse station, which continues to serve as housing for the U.S. Coast Guard. One of the station's more famous occupants was Winslow Homer. The noted artist spent a year living at the light in 1880.
Driving Instructions: Eastern Point Light is easily reached from East Main Street in Gloucester, continue onto Eastern Point Road and turn right just past Niles Beach onto Eastern Point Blvd. (through granite pillars, ignore the "Private" sign) and follow Eastern Point Blvd. to its end.

Ten Pound Island Lighthouse
Equal interval red light every 6 seconds.
This quaint light is located on Ten Pound Island within Gloucester Harbor. The light was constructed in 1821 to mark the island and act as a marker for navigating Gloucester's inner harbor. The island is easily visible from many locations along Gloucester's waterfront. Tiny Ten Pound Island boasts housing America's first coast guard station. The light has recently been completely restored by the Lighthouse Preservation Society.