Billingsgate Island Light

Billingsgate Island Light was a brick lighthouse built on a granite foundation off the coast of Massachusetts to guide maritime traffic. The structure stood on an island that was gradually consumed by water over many decades.

Construction began in 1822 and the light first shone in 1858 to help ships navigate these waters safely. Coastal erosion forced repeated moves of the structure until a major storm destroyed it in 1915.

The lighthouse supported a fishing community of thirty homes, where residents maintained a baseball team and named their settlement after London's Billingsgate Fish Market.

The foundation emerges from the water only at low tide, so plan any boat visit to match the water level conditions. Timing your trip correctly is essential for seeing what remains of the site.

The lighthouse had an unusual square shape instead of the typical round design seen in most lighthouses. Its roof displayed a striking red and black painted pattern that stood out.

Location: Barnstable County

Inception: 1822

Made from material: brick

GPS coordinates: 41.87167,-70.06899

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:45