Derby Wharf Light Station

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Derby Wharf Light Station
Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont, www.lighthouse.cc
Constructed in 1871 at the end of Derby Wharf, in Salem, Derby Wharf Light Station is one of only five square plan lighthouses in Massachusetts. Salem was beginning to decline as a center for overseas trade about the time the light tower was built, but coastal trade and the fishing industry remained vital and strong. For many years, twin lights at Baker's Island guided vessels into Salem Harbor, however it was decided that an additional light was needed to direct mariners into the busy inner harbor. The 14-foot tall, 12-foot wide square brick tower is painted white and topped with a fifth-order lantern painted black. It was built for $3,000 and first lit in January 1871. Because of its close proximity to Salem, Derby Wharf Light always had a caretaker instead of a resident keeper. The half-mile wharf dates to the 1760s and along with the Derby Wharf Light is part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The light was briefly deactivated from 1977 to 1983, but today serves as an active aid to navigation.

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Derby Wharf leading out to the tower

NPS Photo, Salem Maritime National Historic Site

The Derby Wharf Light Station, administered by the National Park Service's Salem Maritime National Historic Site, is located at the end of Derby Wharf on the west side of Salem Harbor in Salem. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the modern acrylic optic. The Derby Wharf is open all year and visitors can walk out to the tower. For more information visit the park's website or call 978-740-1650.

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