Minot’s Ledge Light

Minot

Off Boston Bay, MA
Est 1847, current light 1860
114 feet, 85 feet abovewater.

Historian Edward Rowe Snow called this waveswept sentinel "America’s Most Dangerous Beacon," and anyone who’s cruised near it is certain to agree.

Jeremy’s Lighthouse Guide #25

Minot Light The first Minot's Ledge Lighthouse was built between 1847 and 1850. It was the first lighthouse in the United States to be exposed to the ocean's full fury. The first keeper, Isaac Dunham, didn't believe the spindly structure was safe and quit after ten months. The second keeper, John Bennett, also feared the lighthouse was unsafe.

In April 1851, a colossal storm struck the New England coast. Keeper Bennett was on shore at the time, but two assistant keepers were killed. Legend claims that to this day, in dark and stormy weather, sailors hear a voice coming from Minot's Light crying, "Stay away!"

Work on a new stone tower began in 1855. Only men who could swim were allowed to work on the project, and many times during construction waves swept workers off the rocks. The last stone was laid on June 29, 1860. The final cost of about $300,000 made it one of the most expensive lighthouses in United States history.

minot's Ledge Light In 1893 Minot's was given a new optic and a distinctive characteristic 1-4-3 flash. Someone decided that 1-4-3 stood for "I love you," so Minot's was nicknamed the "I Love You Light."

In 1997 a group of local residents began a campaign to erect a granite memorial to Joseph Antoine and Joseph Wilson, the young assistant keepers who lost their lives in 1851. The monument was finished and dedicated in 2000 on Government Island in Cohasset.

Built of 1,079 blocks of Quincy granite dovetailed together and reinforced with iron shafts, Minot's Light has lasted through countless storms and hurricanes, a testament to its builders. You can see it from Government Island and other points on shore, but it is best viewed by boat.

For much more HISTORY click here

Destruction of Minot's Light

Minot's Lighthouse

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.

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