Spectacle Island Range Lights

The Spectacle Island Range Lights consist of two octagonal towers of different heights that stand in Boston Harbor. The front tower measures roughly 29 feet (9 meters) tall, while the rear tower reaches about 54 feet (16 meters).

The Lighthouse Board secured funding in 1895 to build these navigational aids, which began operating in 1897. They were deactivated in 1913 after changes to the harbor made them no longer necessary.

These lights helped guide the ships that built Boston's reputation as a major trading hub. They show how the city invested in tools to keep its harbor functioning smoothly.

The towers have red reflector lights and red bands around their centers for visibility from the water. They sit on an island surrounded by the harbor, making them accessible mainly by boat.

Shipping companies protested the removal of these lights in 1912, leading to official statements about which range lights would be taken out of service. The dispute shows how vital they were to harbor operations.

Location: Boston

Inception: 1897

GPS coordinates: 42.32780,-70.98470

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:03