Nantucket Beacon, Lighthouse on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, United States
Nantucket Beacon is a lighthouse standing on the Massachusetts coast to guide ships through local waters. The structure consists of a stone tower topped with a lantern room that emits a navigational light visible from considerable distances at sea.
The lighthouse was built in 1794 to establish organized maritime navigation around the island during a period of expanding sea trade. It proved vital in helping ships safely navigate the treacherous coastal waters and supported Nantucket's growth as a major whaling port.
The lighthouse is central to Nantucket's identity as a former whaling hub where maritime trade shaped the island's prosperity. Locals and visitors see it as a symbol of the seafaring culture that defined the island's golden age.
The grounds remain accessible year-round, with the best viewing light occurring in late afternoon as the sun lowers toward the horizon. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain around the structure can be uneven and rocky in places.
The structure has remained in its original location despite major coastal changes over more than two centuries, reflecting early American building techniques. Its survival through fierce storms and coastal shifting demonstrates the durability of the construction methods used when it was first erected.
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