On the Eastern side of Martha’s Vineyard
lies the quaint area of Edgartown. Its peaceful harbor was once a thriving
whaling port. Guiding vessels safely in and out of the harbor, however,
proved to be a challenging task, especially at night.
As early as 1816 it is believed that some type of
lighted navigational aid was deployed here. The first real lighthouse was
established in 1828, on the western side of the inner harbor. This early
beacon consisted of a simple tower located in the center of a Cape Cod
style lightkeeper’s cottage.
The house and tower gradually deteriorated from
constant exposure to the elements. After serving mariners faithfully for
110 years, the old house was struck its final blow by a hurricane in 1938.
Because the lighthouse was damaged so badly the Coast Guard assumed
possession of the beacon and ordered the lighthouse to be demolished.
A cylindrical cast-iron tower was floated by barge out
to Martha’s Vineyard to replace the damaged station. The tower now rests
on an octagonal concrete slab, atop a granite block and fills foundation.
Unfortunately, over the last twenty years, vandals destroyed the original
windows. In 1986 the Vineyard Environmental Research Institute assumed
control of the station and has made tremendous effort to restore and
maintain this once proud sentinel.
Today, the old tower sports an environmentally-friendly,
solar-powered lamp. Flashing its alternating white and red light 170 feet
above sea level, this historic light still beckons sailors and fishermen
to the "Vineyard."
