The Graves

a white lighthouse sits on a small rocky island surrounded by calm water.

NPS Photo

This rocky ledge is home to the outermost lighthouse in Boston Harbor.

This bedrock outcropping is one of the Brewsters, a group of the outermost islands in the park. It is an active Coast Guard navigational aid facility, so the buildings are not open to visitors and there are no public restrooms on the island.

 

General Information

This island of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is privately owned. For more information visit graveslightstation.com.

 

Visitor Facilities & Services

The Graves is not open to private boaters. There is no docking. Boaters must anchor offshore.

Hours:
 Not open for recreational use
Piers/Docks:
 No
Visitor season:
 0
Boat slips:
 0
Visitor staff:
 No
Moorings:
 0
Guided tours:
 No
Park boats:
 None
Lifeguards:
 No
Car access:
 No
Flush toilets:
 No
Campsites:
 0 (capacity ea: 0)
Composting toilets:
 No
Group campsites:
 0 (capacity ea: 0)
Picnic areas:
 No
Camping capacity:
 0
Refreshments:
 No
Cooking grills:
 0
Drinking water:
 No
Walking trails:

No

Visitor Cautions: Access to the island is discouraged and is dangerous due to rocks and surf.

 

Short History

The tallest of the three lighthouses in Boston Harbor, the Graves is located at the main entrance to Boston Harbor, and continues its tradition as a navigational aid, though now automated.

The Graves Light is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. For more information about the facility, please go to the National Park Service Maritime Heritage Program Inventory of Historic Light Stations.

 

Natural History Overview

Vegetation

There is only aquatic vegetation on the island.

Wildlife

Survey in progress.

Geology

The Graves is an aggregation of rock outcroppings rising 15 feet above the high-water level.

Water Features

A cistern with a holding tank for pumped water is located in the base of the lighthouse.

Views and Vistas

The 113-foot-tall Graves Light is visible from a 24-nautical mile range. Views from the Graves to the surrounding harbor are generally inaccessible.

 

Structures

  • Lighthouse – 113-feet high; rubble stone, brick and granite; strengthened with iron bands

  • None

  • Railing and platforms are secured to the rock outcrops to aid access to the lighthouse.

  • Graves Light Station is included in the 1987 thematic nomination, Lighthouses of Massachusetts.

Last updated: November 28, 2022

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

15 State Street
4th Floor
Boston, MA 02109

Phone:

617 223-8666

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