West Chop Light, Maritime navigation beacon in Tisbury, United States
Description
West Chop Light is a brick lighthouse in Tisbury on Martha's Vineyard that marks the entrance to Vineyard Haven Harbor. The structure features a white conical tower that guides ships into this busy waterway.
History
The original lighthouse was built in 1817 as a rubblestone structure, but was replaced in 1891 with the current brick tower due to coastal erosion threatening the site. The new construction has served maritime navigation ever since.
Culture
Captain James Shaw West managed the lighthouse from 1818 to 1848, establishing a tradition of dedicated keepers who maintained this maritime safety installation.
Practical
The lighthouse sits at West Chop and is visible from various vantage points along the shoreline. Visitors can walk around the area to view the structure and enjoy the coastal surroundings, though the tower itself is typically not open to the public.
Did you know?
The structure retains its original Fresnel lens even though it was automated in 1976 and no longer staffed by a keeper. This technical continuity shows how traditional maritime equipment continues to work in modern times.
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