According to historian Edward Rowe Snow, the island got its name from a 17th century visitor who was killed on the island by a falling tree. Today 55-acre Baker's Island is Massachusetts' largest residential island north of Boston.

In 1791 a day marker was placed on the island by the Salem Marine Society. The inadequacy of the beacon was soon proven by the wrecks of three vessels in 1796, and Congress authorized the construction of twin lighthouses.

The original pair of lights consisted of two towers were located on top of the keeper's house. The first keeper was George Chapman, and it’s said he went blind from the glare of the lights.

New towers were built and lighted in October 1820. One of the towers was taller than the other, earning the lighthouses the nickname of the "Mr. and Mrs." lighthouses. A little over a century later in June 1926, the smaller lighthouse was discontinued and subsequently dismantled.

The remaining lighthouse was automated in 1972. When a Coast Guard crew removed the old Fresnel lens, which floated on a bed of mercury, they were overcome by fumes and had to be removed by helicopter.

In 1996 a $250,000 restoration project was completed. It was found that some stones from near the top of the tower had fallen out, and the foundation was almost crumbling. Contractor Martin Nally supervised the restoration, and he later based a children’s book called, “My Dad Fixed the Lighthouse” on the experience.

Today the two keeper's dwellings are leased by islanders for seasonal occupancy. The lighthouse can be seen from points in Salem, Marblehead and Manchester-by-the-Sea. Landing is not permitted on the island except by residents and their guests.

For a more detailed HISTORY of Bakers Island Light click here

Copyright 2004 by Jeremy D'Entremont,New England Lighthouses
Photos are the property of the author and may not be used without permission.
Photos above from Jeremy D'Entremont.