Photo Caption:
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The existing Plymouth Lighthouse on Gurnet Point in Plymouth, Massachusetts, built in 1843, is one of the lighthouses being offered for free by the federal government to any qualified entity. Built in 1843, it is the oldest, freestanding, wooden lighthouse in the United States. In 1769, the first twin lights in North America were built at this location; however, they were eventually torn down after new ones were erected. When lighthouse keeper John Thomas died in 1776, his wife, Hannah, became America’s first woman lighthouse keeper. In 1924, the northeast light was discontinued and demolished, ending 155 years of twin lights at the site. In 1998, the remaining lighthouse was moved 140 feet away from the eroding bluff. It is highly likely that ownership of the lighthouse will be awarded to Project Gurnet and Bug Lights, Inc., the organization that has leased and cared for the light station since 1999. (Lighthouse Digest archives file photo)
Back to the edition of: Jul/Aug 2023
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