A passing historic schooner and a quaint island lighthouse join together in sparking an age old scene of a New Englander's seafaring life. The Ten Pound Island Light has guided vessels into Gloucester Harbor for 175 years.
The first lighthouse was built to aid Massachusetts sailors avoid a dangerous shelf on the island's southwest edge. The 20 foot stone tower was accompanied by a light-tender's house. The buildings were poorly constructed and warranted replacement. A new cast-iron beacon was erected in 1881 and continued to cast its light for another 125 years, when it was finally decommissioned.
Once again, an ambitious lighthouse preservation group led the city in lighthouse restoration. The Ten Pound Island light was rebuilt in 1989 and resumed its duty as a navigational aid.