Little Brewster Island
Home to the National Historic Landmark, Boston Light, this little island is steeped in U.S. history.
The historic Boston Light overlooks the sea from Little Brewster Island, casting a light beam 27 miles into the Atlantic. This island is home to the oldest continually used and last staffed lighthouse in the country, which dates back to the Revolutionary War. Prior to housing Boston Light, the island was used for sending signal fires to aid novice travelers navigating the dangerous sandbars and unpredictable weather.
Today, Little Brewster Island is an active U.S. Coast Guard navigational aid facility. To view this historic lighthouse or simply take in the beautiful views of the harbor, take a two-hour Boston Harbor Lighthouse Cruise narrated by National Park Service and U.S. Coast Guard staff.
Boston Light
Come explore the oldest continually operated light station in the country and learn of its rich history guiding travelers safely to Boston Harbor.
Boston Light was first lit on September 14, 1716, and was operated by its first keeper, George Worthylake, who also acted as pilot for vessels entering the harbor. Unfortunately, George, his wife and daughter, and two men drowned in 1718 after their boat capsized returning to the lighthouse. Benjamin Franklin went on to write a ballad about the event, entitled “Lighthouse Tragedy.”
The lighthouse survived invasion and war over the years. In 1774 the British overtook the island and Boston Light was partially destroyed. A new lighthouse was erected in place of the old in 1783, which still stands today. The tower was later raised to 89 feet in the 1850s to accommodate the new second order Fresnel lens.
In late 2023, lighthouse keeper Dr. Sally Snowman stepped down from her duties, signaling the end of an era as the last lighthouse keeper in America. Boston Light’s powerful beam – once powered by candles and then oil lamps – is now automated, and remains under the stewardship of the United States Coast Guard. The light continues to turn every ten seconds, with its beam visible to people and ships up to 27 miles away.
Join us on a guided Lighthouse Tour!
Experience all three lighthouses of Boston Harbor on a two-hour narrated cruise with close-up views of Boston Light, Graves Light, and Long Island Light.
Little Brewster Island and Boston Light are owned and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.