Cape Poge Light, Coastal lighthouse in Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts.
Cape Poge Light is a white cylindrical tower located on the northeastern point of Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, marking the entrance to Edgartown Harbor. The structure sits on a narrow spit of land surrounded by dunes and marsh, with a lantern at the top guiding ships through the waters.
The original lighthouse was built in 1801 as a wooden tower after Congress authorized its construction. The structure has been modified and adapted over time to address the challenges posed by the constantly shifting coastline.
The lighthouse takes its name from the cape, which served as a navigation reference for local fishing and maritime activities over generations. Today, its location reflects the close relationship between the coast and the lives of those who worked here.
The site is accessible only by ferry from Edgartown, followed by a walk or four-wheel-drive vehicle with a permit. It is best to visit during low tide when the paths are easier to navigate.
The lighthouse has relocated multiple times due to coastal erosion using advanced techniques of its era. A remarkable example occurred in the 1980s when the structure was moved inland by helicopter to prevent its loss to the advancing sea.
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