Three Sisters of Nauset

The Three Sisters of Nauset are three white wooden towers with black lantern decks, spaced roughly 150 feet apart. Each tower stands about 15 feet tall and originally helped guide ships safely through the dangerous waters off the Massachusetts coast.

The government built these navigation towers in 1837 to help guide ships between existing lighthouses in Truro and Chatham. Coastal erosion forced the structures to be moved several times, with the final move happening in 1983.

The towers got their name from their appearance, which locals thought looked like three women in white dresses and black bonnets lined up along the shore. This comparison has stuck with the place ever since and shapes how people talk about it today.

The site is easy to reach on foot, starting west from Nauset Light along Cable Road. Visit during warmer months when rangers are available to give guided tours and help you understand the site better.

The towers were relocated a total of three times due to advancing coastal erosion, making them a remarkable example of how the shoreline constantly shifts. The final move placed them roughly 550 meters inland, showing just how quickly nature reshapes this part of the coast.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 41.85985,-69.95698

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:57