Tarpaulin Cove Light

Tarpaulin Cove Light is a lighthouse located on Naushon Island in Massachusetts, featuring a cylindrical stone tower topped with a black lantern. The structure stands approximately 8.5 meters tall and has long served as a navigation marker for maritime traffic in these waters.

The lighthouse was built in 1818 to replace an earlier light station that had been operating since 1759. The original beacon grew out of efforts to guide whalers and coastal vessels safely through these waters.

The Cuttyhunk Historical Society manages this National Register of Historic Places structure, preserving its maritime heritage for future generations.

The lighthouse sits on a private island and is not easily accessible to the general public without special permission. Visitors interested in the area should check local conditions and access restrictions before planning a visit.

The lighthouse holds a notable place in local maritime lore through an act of bravery involving one of its keepers. Frank Davis, a former lighthouse keeper, attempted a daring rescue of two sailors from a burning vessel that sank near the light station.

Location: Dukes County

Inception: 1818

Height: 8.5 m

GPS coordinates: 41.46881,-70.75750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03