The historic town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, has many houses dating back to the 1600s. But few people know that there was once a light station on the stretch of sand known as Crane Beach. The last lighthouse that stood there still exists, 50 miles from its original home.
U.S. Lighthouse Society Historian Jeremy D’Entremont is the author of 24 books and hundreds of articles on lighthouses and maritime history. He is a past president of the American Lighthouse Foundation and founder of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, and he has lectured and narrated cruises throughout the Northeast and in other regions. He is also the producer and host of the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s weekly podcast, “Light Hearted.” He can be emailed at Jeremy@uslhs.org
Jeremy and all, thank you for this wonderful history lesson. I loved the video explaining the keepers and history of the lighthouses.
I’m happy to say I toured this lighthouse in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. I appreciated learning that it was transported from earlier service in Ipswich. What an interesting story about the lost lights.
Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it, Nannette. I’ve always found the story of that light station interesting, partly because I’m from that area and I’ve spent a lot of time in Ipswich.
Jeremy, thank you so much for this interesting story about the Ipswich Lighthouse. I have been to Cape Cod as my cousin lives there in Falmouth, but I didn’t get a chance to go to Martha’s Vineyard. Hopefully I will get to visit the lighthouse next time I am in Cape Cod. I really enjoy all your stories about all the different lighthouse. I try to visit as many I can when I travel. My daughter bought me for my birthday a few years ago your book Lighthouse Handbook New England (third edition) that has a picture of my favorite lighthouse, the “Nubble”. The book is a great source of information.
I hope you have a Happy and healthy Christmas!!
Hi Gail – Thanks so much for your kind comments! I’m glad my book has been helpful. A new fourth edition was delayed this year but should be out in the spring. You need to go to Martha’s Vineyard sometime – it’s a beautiful place.