CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE

Highland Lighthouse, also known as Cape Cod Light, was the first lighthouse built on Cape Cod (1797). The present 66-foot brick tower dates from 1857. Today, the lighthouse is automated, as are all the lighthouses on the Cape. In earlier years, fifteen whale oil lamps and later a huge Fresnel lens were used to light the way for mariners. Today, a 1,000 watt bulb does the job. Highland Light is one of three lighthouses open to public tours.

National Park Service photo.