By Tiffany Williams –
On July 23, 1715, the colonial government of Massachusetts authorized the construction of the first lighthouse in what would become the United States. The structure was planned for Little Brewster Island, located at the entrance to Boston Harbor.
This decision marked a significant advancement in maritime safety for the growing port city of Boston. The lighthouse was intended to guide ships safely into the harbor, reducing the risk of shipwrecks along the treacherous coastline. It would go on to become known as Boston Light.
Completed and first lit in 1716, Boston Light served as a crucial navigational aid for centuries. Though it was destroyed during the American Revolution and rebuilt in 1783, the lighthouse still stands today as the oldest continually used light station in the country.
Boston Light remains a symbol of New England’s early maritime history and its long-standing importance in global trade and navigation. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.