Place

Boston Lightship

A large vessel with one tall mast, has the word
Boston Lightship

United States Lighthouse Society

Quick Facts
Location:
6 miles southeast of Boston Harbor
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No

While not actually in the harbor, Boston Lightship served as a navigational aid to help ships approach Boston Harbor. This ship anchored 6 and a quarter miles southeast of Boston Light in 84-feet deep water where no lighthouse could feasibly be built. Placed in 1894, Boston Lightship remained at its post for over 80 years. 

Despite its relatively open location, the ship stood next to shipping lanes, exposing it to other hazards. For instance, on September 27, 1915, an outbound steamer smashed a hole in the lightship. Also, on December 20, 1935, a British freighter rammed and almost sank Boston Lightship.1 

In 1975, a large navigational buoy replaced the Boston Lightship.2 

Prepared by Nancy S. Seasholes, 2009. Updated 2025. 

Footnotes

  1. "Hits Boston Lightship," New York Times, September 29, 1915; "Lightship Rammed; British Ship Seized," New York Times, December 21, 1935.
  2. U.S. Coast Guard, "U.S. Lightship Station Assignments," 2008,  http://www.uscg.mil/History/weblightships/Lightship_Station_Index.asp

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

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Last updated: November 18, 2025