Lighthouses & Other Navigational Aids

The oldest lighthouse site in the country - the Boston Light - sits here within the Boston Harbor. Given the extensive maritime history of the area, it is not surprising that navigational aids within the harbor date from many different time periods. Of the many major navigational aids built in Boston Harbor, only a few still remain in what is now the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park:

  • Boston Light

  • Nixes Mate Daybeacon

  • Long Island Head Light

  • The Graves Light

 

 

Another major navigational aid, Minot’s Ledge Light, is not actually in Boston Harbor but is part of the historical lore associated with navigational aids in the harbor and therefore merits consideration as part of the historical context of those aids. In addition, there are several non-extant aids that contribute to understanding park resources:

  • Narrows (Bug) Light

  • Lovells Bouy Station

  • Deer Island Light

  • Boston Auxiliary Light

  • Boston Lightship

  • Spectacle Island Range Lights

  • Broad Sound channel Inner Range Lights

  • Lovells Island Range Lights

 

Last updated: February 7, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
21 Second Ave

Charlestown, MA 02129

Phone:

617 819-3587
This is the phone number for the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. It is only checked while the Welcome Center is operational. During the off-season, please contact us via email.

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