Nauset Lighthouse - Night Magnet

The current Nauset Lighthouse replaced the former set of three lighthouses (only set of three ever built) known as "The Three Sisters". The "Sisters" were perched close to the bluff on the coast and erosion threatened their lives. They were purchased by the National Park Service in 1975 and are now being restored about a quarter mile from their former location (see our pictures and complete history). The current beacon at Eastham (originally built in 1887) was moved from Chatham in 1923 to replace the Three Sisters. The upper portion of the beacon was painted red in 1940, to distinguish it from Highland and Chatham lights. A fourth-order Fresnel lens from the last of the Three Sisters was installed in the tower. The light was automated in 1955, and red and white aerobeacons replaced the Fresnel lens (now on display at the Salt Pond visitor's center in Eastham). Like Highland Light, Nauset Light was in danger of being lost to erosion. In 1993, the Coast Guard proposed decommisioning the light. The light was saved, however, by the Nauset Light Preservation Society, which financed a project to move the light further inland. By November 1996, the light stood adjacent to the keeper's house, just 25 feet from the edge of the cliff overlooking Nauset Beach. The light was moved away from the cliff to its present location shortly afterwards. It now serves as a private aid to navigation. In October/November of 1998, the keeper's house was also moved. The house was relocated to the same orientation relative to the lighthouse as the old site. As of April 1998 the keeper's house had stood a mere 27 feet from the eroding cliff. The house was donated to the National Park Service, and the donor given a 25-year lease. The house remains a private residence. The light received additional attention in 2005 - the tower was sandblasted, resealed and repainted. Rusted handrails were replaced. As of 2006, future plans call for restoration of the nearby oil house.