Clarks Point Light, Historic lighthouse at New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts, US.
Clarks Point Light is a historic lighthouse structure located on the northern wall of Fort Taber in New Bedford Harbor. The rectangular wooden tower rises 68 feet (21 meters) above sea level and has been rebuilt multiple times throughout its existence.
The original lighthouse was built in 1797 with funding from local merchants, but it burned down within a year and required multiple replacements. The federal government later took over responsibility for maintaining subsequent lighthouse structures at this location.
The lighthouse served as a vital guiding light for whalers departing from New Bedford on their lengthy voyages across the oceans. The harbor was one of the wealthiest ports in early America, and the beacon helped protect the ships returning from distant waters.
The grounds surrounding the lighthouse are open to visitors, though the tower structure itself is closed to the public for safety reasons. The best time to visit is during daylight hours when the fort and surrounding harbor area are clearly visible.
The Baker family served as lighthouse keepers here across three generations, accumulating 70 years of combined service at this maritime location. This multi-generational continuity was uncommon for lighthouse posts and made this family's dedication particularly notable in the region's maritime history.
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