Broad Sound Channel Inner Range Lights

Broad Sound Channel Inner Range Lights, 1945

US Coast Guard Historian's Office

Quick Facts

Location:

Spectacle Island

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

No

The opening of the Broad Sound Channel in 1900 necessitated new range lights to guide ships. In 1902, two pairs of lights were authorized—one on Spectacle Island, the other on Lovells Island.¹ 

Those on Spectacle Island, called the Broad Sound Channel Inner Range Lights, began operation in 1903. A lantern encircled by an iron-railed gallery surmounted two tapered circular wooden towers.² 

Like the earlier 1897 Spectacle Island Range Lights, the Broad Sound Channel Inner Range Lights were built on the northeast part of the island. Updates to the lights included fourth-order Fresnel lenses in both new towers, an oil house in 1904, and a second frame six-room keeper’s house.³ 

The Broad Sound Channel Range Lights no longer exist today after being deactivated in the 1940s and presumably demolished shortly thereafter. During an intensive archaeological survey of Spectacle Island from 1987-1988 (prior to the island’s use by the Big Dig), archaeologists discovered remains of the 1903 range lights. They included the brick foundation, iron gallery railing, roof fragments of the rear light, bricks from the oil house, and the foundation of the keeper’s house.⁴

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

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Footnotes

1. Jeremy D'Entremont, "History of Broad Sound Channel Inner Range Lights, Boston, Massachusetts," accessed November 18, 2025, Broad Sound Channel Inner Range Lights history - NEW ENGLAND LIGHTHOUSES: A VIRTUAL GUIDE.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Donald G. Jones, 1989 Intensive Archaeological Survey of Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor. Office of Public Archaeology Report of Investigations No. 80, Boston University, 45–47, Figs. 40–42, 44–45.