Eastern Point Lighthouse | Gloucester

Eastern Point Lighthouse is a historic navigational aid located at the entrance to Gloucester Harbor in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

This lighthouse guides maritime traffic into one of the oldest fishing ports in the United States.

Visual Characteristics

The lighthouse structure is a cylindrical brick tower, painted white, with a black lantern room and a red roof. It stands approximately 55 feet (17 meters) tall. The attached keeper's house is a two-story wooden structure, typically painted white with dark trim.

Location & Access Logistics

Eastern Point Lighthouse is situated at the easternmost point of Cape Ann. Access is via Eastern Point Road in Gloucester. The lighthouse is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) southeast of Gloucester's city center. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the keeper's house, though it can fill quickly during peak times. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is several miles away, requiring a taxi or ride-share service for the final approach.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the current lighthouse was completed in 1801, replacing an earlier structure. It was built under the authority of the U.S. Lighthouse Board. The site is a rocky promontory extending into the Atlantic Ocean, formed by glacial activity and coastal erosion.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk the grounds surrounding the lighthouse and keeper's house. Exterior viewing of the lighthouse tower is permitted. Interpretive signage provides historical context. Access to the interior of the lighthouse and keeper's house is generally restricted to special open house events, typically held a few times per year.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not consistently available on-site. There is limited natural shade. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable in the area. No food vendors are located directly at the lighthouse; dining options are available in downtown Gloucester.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, the late afternoon offers favorable lighting conditions on the lighthouse structure. The months of May through October generally provide the most pleasant weather for visiting. High tide can enhance the visual impact of the waves crashing against the rocky shoreline.

Facts & Legends

During World War II, the lighthouse was deactivated to avoid becoming a target for enemy submarines. A local legend tells of the ghost of a former keeper, Captain Elias Burnham, who is said to still patrol the grounds.

Nearby Landmarks

• Fortoucester State Historic Site (1.2km West)
• Cape Ann Museum (3.5km Northwest)
• Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial (3.8km Northwest)
• Hammond Castle Museum (4.5km West)