The act allowed the town of Scituate to purchase the lighthouse and maintain it as a historic landmark. In 1991, the lighthouse was relit. genuinely one of the finest walks you'd ever do in your life. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. The white light can now be seen from 4 miles away. Rebecca told her sister to take up the drum and shed grab her fife. Friday 8:30-11:45 Phone: (781) 545-8700 Fax: (781) 545-8704. We visited with friends and their children who live in Scituate (which is a beautiful picturesque town) who told us the interesting history of the Lighthouse. Rebecca knew she could kill one or two of the British with a musket, but realized the others would retaliate on the village. Although it is the fifth oldest lighthouse in New England and the eleventh oldest in the United States, Scituate Lighthouse, on the South Shore of Boston, Massachusetts, is far more famous for the actions of two quick-thinking girls The Army of Two. In 1827, complaints from mariners led to the construction of a fifteen-foot-tall brick extension to the original granite tower and the installation of a new lantern room to increase visibility. Really nice stop. My book, Lighthouses and Coastal Attractions of Southern New England: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, published by Schiffer Publishing, provides special human interest stories from each of the 92 lighthouses, along with plenty of indoor and outdoor coastal attractions and tours you can explore. Any questions or comments, please email me. And during the embargo, the town could scarcely stand to lose the two vessels at the wharf loaded with flour. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Scituate is cute beach town but we just went to see the lighthouse on our way to Plymouth.We enjoyed our visit. Beautiful unique lighthouse. October 7, 2022 Update. May pass by the lighthouse, depending on wind direction. Much History surrounding this New England Lighthouse .There is no legend, but tradition says all visitors must pose in front! Citizens successfully petitioned the government for a lighthouse. The tower is open only during occasional open houses. He and his wife, Rachel, and their 9 children lived in the 1.5-story house attached to the lighthouse. If you have small children or don't want to walk this distance, there is a decent parking area that was not full (and free) near the light house. Project Update July 11, 2023 . The other New England towers that I planned for my journey were Beavertail Lighthouse in Rhode Island and the War Memorial atop Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Explore different ways to experience this place. You can not go inside the lighthouse. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Wonderful ocean views. In response, Keeper Bates fired two rounds from a small cannon as the ship left. 1 Bathroom. Although Rebecca Bates signed an affidavit attesting to the truth of the story, some don't believe the event took place citing historical records that show the La Hogue was elsewhere at the time of the alleged event. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. See options All photos (110) As custodian for the Town of our beloved Scituate Light, the Scituate Historical Society has embarked on a major preservation project of the lighthouse. Phone: (781) 545-1083 Although there were muskets at the lighthouse, Rebecca knew that if they fired on the troops, the British would have attacked the village. The Boston Marine Society had recommended an eclipser be installed which would give the Scituate Lighthouse a "flash" thus making it easy for a mariner to distinguish this lighthouse from the Boston Lighthouse. Several years later, after the installation of a plastic 250-mm optic, the lighthouse was relighted as a private aid to navigation. Although the apparatus and workmen were swept from the rocks several times during the summer that year, there were no casualties. Stories involve competitions, battling devastating storms, acts of heroism, accidents and collisions, and their final voyages. Contact host Property # 1129018 Report this property View all Scituate properties Not sure about this one? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. This was definitely one of my favorite lighthouses. Thinking that it might confuse mariners, they asked the local lighthouse superintendent, Henry Dearborn, to hold off placing the lighthouse into service until March 1812 so that discussions could be had regarding the characteristic of the light. We've seen people lose all kinds of things in the crevices of the rocks. Nice to see but not worth if out of your way. To date, the fife played by Rebecca is still on display at the keeper's house. Work has begun on the $2M restoration of the Scituate Lighthouse lantern room. During the War of 1812, in 1814, Abigail and Rebecca Bates were called the "army of two" for "preventing a British Naval Force from sacking the town by playing a fife and drum," deceiving the commander of the British warship into thinking the Americans were massing an army. Sunrise had marine layer and fog. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. After you tire of nature you can head to quaint Scituate Harbor for lunch and shopping. Move to allow The Beacon Truck weekend afternoons and weekdays (8:00am- Then walk out on the breakwater for beautiful views and a healthy stroll. A plaque on site commemorates the event. The Town and the Society have stepped forward several times over the years to protect this iconic structure. We visited this historic site today with nice weather. with open houses at the likes of the Scituate Lighthouse, Lawson Tower, Mann Farmhouse and Old Stockbridge Grist Mill. Anytime of year is lovely here. Sunrise had marine layer and fog. * Please note that all GPS coordinates are approximated and are meant to put you in the vicinity of the lighthouse, not for navigation purposes. Nice pictures in all directions, detailed information signage, paved walkways and free parking for ~20 cars. Many historians do believe it and think perhaps the Bates girls mistook the identity of the ship. Following the approval of CPC funding at the April Town Meeting, the lighthouse project has been steadily progressing. Driftway Park Source: Bill McMahon / shutterstock Driftway Park. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We were here on a warm, clear early fall day, and it was hard to leave. You can even walk out over the Getty, sneakers recommended. 98% of travellers recommend this experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Moonrise Over Old Scituate Light. To remedy the situation, a new skeletal tower was erected. - See 170 traveler reviews, 110 candid photos, and great deals for Scituate, MA, at Tripadvisor. If you are in the area make time to visit. Due to its close proximity to sea level, the lighthouse has been prone to many storms where it becomes isolated by the over wash from huge storm surges created, which would sometimes breach the seawall. It is a beautiful old lighthouse, and it is in the most beautiful spot with stunning views. Prouty (1900 1904), Henry F. Stubeck (1904), John F. Cushman (1904 1924). Beautiful area! In the book you'll find local stories from all lighthouses in the Boston area and South Shore region, including more details about the "Army of Two. 781-545-1083For general questions: info@scituatehistoricalsociety.orgFor research/history questions click here. After a new tower was constructed at Minots Ledge, theScituate Lighthouse was deactivated in 1860, with its lantern room removed. Read our, Observation Decks & Towers, Points of Interest & Landmarks. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Also, make sure you secure your keys and phones. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Truly a must see. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. :), This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Such a great experience to write and design this book, and publish it through Amazon Books. By the early 1800s, Scituates fishing industry was robust. Beaver Dam Road, and then continue east on Beaver Dam Road for 1.3 miles Cross over Route 3A and Route 123 becomes Country Way. Move to allow The Beacon Truck to park at the Scituate Lighthouse Parking Lot April through October Friday through Sunday 8:00 am-12:00 pm and July 3rd and 4th (Wednesday and Thursday) without moving the vehicle to another location. Turn left on Jericho Road and follow it around the harbor to Over the years, the copper sheathing had begun to deteriorate. Gorgeous ocean and harbor views. [2] [3] It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 as Scituate Light. The sea battle itself is not so famous, but the final words of the Chesapeake's Commander, Captain James Lawton, is well known when he cried "Don't give up the ship!". What restaurants are near Scituate Lighthouse? M embers of the Plymouth Colony, along with newcomers from England, settled the area we now know as Scituate, on Boston's South Shore, in 1627. A place of exceptional natural beauty, Driftway Park protects some 330-acres of salt marsh on the estuary of the Herring River. First lit in 1811, Scituate Light has stood since as a proud icon of the seaside town and as an alert to mariners nearing its harbor. PO Box 43 Great walk from the Cole Parkway parking area. Such a beautiful place to take in the view. For more information, call (781) 545-8718, or visit this site. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. On Easter Sunday there is a sunrise service at Scituate Light, very special place. Find and book deals on the best hotels with parking in Saarland, Germany! The lighthouse is located at the end of Lighthouse Road. Scituate Lighthouse: Good parking, great views, good hiking rocks on the breakwater - See 170 traveler reviews, 110 candid photos, and great deals for Scituate, MA, at Tripadvisor. It was a cloudy/foggy day but still nice and able to take photos. Work has begun on the $2M restoration of the Scituate Lighthouse lantern room. They received, in their later years, pensions from Congress in recognition of their heroism. Historical markers inform you of the history of the area. Scituates lantern room and Fresnel lens were removed, and the property was leased. Humarock beach is one of Scituate's better beaches. I have been to is Ricketts Glen State Park which contains 23 waterfalls in a 3.2 mile hike. By the late 1700s, the fishing fleet had surged. However, when it came to establishing the Scituate Lighthouse, as no land could be procured, it was taken by eminent domain. To mark the area after the demise of the Minot's Ledge Lighthouse, a lightship was stationed off-shore from 1851-1860. Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Continue on Beaver Dam Road for about a mile and a half to Jericho Road. The following year, in 1842, civil engineer I.W.P. The town looked adorable too, though we didn't explore it much. Children love to swim at the beach. The new breakwater is flat and you can walk way out to the end. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Coordinates: 421217.1N 704257W Old Scituate Light also known simply as Scituate Light is a historic lighthouse located on Cedar Point in Scituate, Massachusetts. Its light characteristic was changed from red to a fixed white light in October 1854 and a year later was upgraded to the recently adopted Fresnel lens. Picture perfect location with magnificent views up and down the coast. Wonderful historic spot to spend some time. This book, with plenty of traditional and color images, provides historical accounts of each of these mighty sailing marvels. Rebecca, fond of military music, ordered her sister to take a drum while she took the fife. A 450-foot extension was added later. The house and the light make a fine combination sited at the end of the breakwater with beautiful views back to the large Scituate harbor. There is a nice walk along the breakwater jetty for views of Scituate Lighthouse from the water. Historic points of interest include: Scituate Lighthouse, The Old Oaken Bucket Homestead and Well, The Lawson Tower, Stockbridge Mill and the Cudworth House as well as the Little Red School House which is the . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. When I.W.P Lewis visited Scituate Lighthouse in 1842, he noted that the light was confusing mariners: Lewis noted that the interior of the tower was coated with ice in winter, and green mould in summer, and Keeper Ebenezer Osborn had several additional complaints: The lamps are Hemmenways patent, and nine out of the eleven are so much burnt, and so very leaky, that I have great difficulty in keeping them in order. Cant go in lighthouse and its not super impressive - but it was nice walking out on the jetty and admiring the many colors of rocks/granite. In 1916, Scituate residents appealed to Senator Henry Cabot Lodge to spare the abandoned light station from public auction and then raised $4,000 to buy the light from the federal government. Wonderful historic spot to spend some time. After the addition, seven lamps and reflectors produced the fixed white light that shone from the lantern, while eight lights and reflectors produced a red light from windows fifteen feet lower in the tower. In 1968, a town meeting awarded Scituate Historical Society management of the lighthouse, and under the societys stewardship, the tower was relighted in 1994 as a private navigational aid after 134 years of darkness. Great walk from the Cole Parkway parking area. Great walk from the big parking lot in Scituate Harbor (near the gazebo on Cole Parkway) along the Harbor Walk (by Museum Beach) to Lighthouse Rd. Fort Pickering Lighthouse. 0.4 mi Points of Interest & Landmarks . Its not a very large area but there is a small beach area and a rocky region surrounding the lighthouse (which has lots of crabs and shells, if youre into that sort of thing). Tower closed. In 1841, during the tenure of Keeper Ebenezer Osborne, Scituate Lighthouse was refitted with large plate glass and fourteen-inch reflectors. Scituate Lighthouse - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Turn left onto Jericho Road, and follow this northeast. For the keeper's house, he had the following words: "The house is much decayed, all the frame work being more or less rotten; plastering scaled off the rooms; underpinning settled; floors settled; leaky in the roof and about the windows; chimneys smoky. Count Fish Online South River, Marshfield. Find the closest hotels to Scituate Lighthouse, Select a photograph to view a photo gallery. It will change names to Beaver Dam Road, continue following this east. Not a huge amount to see here but if you like lighthouses its nice to add to your list. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. From Boston, take Route 3 South (Southeast Expressway). On October 6, the lantern room was lifted off of the lighthouse so that it can be completely rebuilt. Scituate Lighthouse: Pretty little lighthouse; nice harbor views; free parking if spots available. I was fond of military music and could play four tunes on the fife Yankee Doodle was my masterpiece, Rebecca said. You really could stay as long as you would like. Despite these hazards, the town developed a budding fishing fleet. Instead, the lighthouse went into service displaying a fixed white light on April 1, 1812. Im really glad we made the detour to visit! Im really glad we made the detour to visit! The keeper at the time of the inspection was Ebenezer Osborne. Scituate Lighthouse is still the oldest complete lighthouse, in regards to the lighthouse itself and the lightkeeper's cottage (keeper's quarters) in the country. The Lightkeeper's cottage is a private residence. 1. Turn left on Jericho Road and follow it around the harbor to Lighthouse Road. However, on April 16, 1851, the iron framework of the Minot's Ledge Lighthouse would fail during a gale plunging the lighthouse into a furious sea. But good for a 10 minutes visit and nice views of the harbor. Oct 2019 Couples. Contractor Marshall Lincoln was employed to add a 15-foot brick addition to the stone tower and install a new lantern. The house and the light make a fine combination sited at the end of the breakwater with beautiful views back to the large Scituate harbor. My husband and I took a walk out over the rocks to get some fresh air, and just thoroughly enjoyed our time here. 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Read the information on the plaques on the seawall and building to find out about the history of the lighthouse and the keeper's family. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. 100 Lighthouse Road, Scituate. 0.9 mi Points of Interest & Landmarks Lighthouses. To stop the proceedings, carrying a check signed by the town's treasurer, his wife traveled by train to Boston that day. Points of Interest & Landmarks Observation Decks & Towers, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church. One of the contributors was William Bates, a grandnephew of Rebecca and Abigail Bates, the "American Army of Two.". Alone at the lighthouse with no time to warn the townspeople, they began playing their fife and drum loudly. We visited this historic site today with nice weather. Once you see a few photos of what might be in store, you start setting your alarm clocks a little bit earlier. [1] History This section does not cite any sources. And much like Lt. Edward Carpender's report of 1838, he spoke of the uselessness of the red and white lights. In June, we were thrilled and honored to learn that the Scituate Historical Society had been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Commission for the restoration of the lighthouse! You really could stay as long as you would like. P. O. No public bathroom and lighthouse is locked up. more, Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip including Quincy, Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Several months later, another man-of-war, the La Hogue had entered the harbor; however Keeper Bates and most of the family were away from the station. There is a free parking lot in front and we were lucky to get a spot. A few months later, Keeper Bates and most of his family were temporarily away from the light, leaving his twenty-one-year-old daughter Rebecca and her younger sister Abigail in charge, along with a younger brother. Norwell MA 02061, Phone: 781.659.8168 USA (781) 385-9700 Create a full itinerary - for free! Beautiful coastal town and a great view of the ocean from the lighthouse on a wonderful fall day in October. Beautiful place to take wedding pictures. Such a beautiful lighthouse. . Is there any good Sea glassing in this area? Trips to Discover: 23 Most Beautiful Lighthouses Around the World. Also of note is a shipwreck that occurred nearby during a blizzard on March 16, 1956. The Italian freighter, Etrusco ran aground; its crew was rescued by the Coast Guard, using a breeches buoy. The jetty lamp was carried away during a gale in early 1904. Explore guest reviews and book the perfect hotel with parking for your trip. 6. Slight improvements were made as a result of the report, but a new lighthouse would not be forthcoming at this location, instead it was planned for off-shore, at Minot's Ledge on the Cohasset Rocks. The Pink House. The town of Scituate, on Boston's South Shore, developed a significant fishing industry by the late eighteenth century and local citizens petitioned the town's selectmen for a lighthouse in 1807. It is a beautiful old lighthouse, and it is in the most beautiful spot with stunning views. We went during the week in August late afternoon and there was available parking. At some point, the lantern was removed, and the tower capped off. Beautiful coastal town and a great view of the ocean from the lighthouse on a wonderful fall day in October. Sunset was good. Longitude: 70 42' 57" W, Early Scituate Light 100% of travelers recommend this experience. It's a nice location to have a short walk and enjoy the salt air with great views of the harbor. The girls hastily took cover behind a dense stand of cedar trees, playing louder and louder hoping to deceive the British into believing an American militia was massing to meet them. Boston Globe: Crane removes lantern room from top of historic Scituate lighthouse. A shipmaster named Jesse Dunbar along with other locals had requested a lighthouse in 1807 by petitioning the town's selectmen. Its name comes from an Indian word for "cold brook," and refers to a brook that runs into the harbor. Visitors are welcome to park Parking Directions: HERE Location Directions: Rear - HERE Front - HERE [2] History [ edit] The Wampanoag and their neighbors have inhabited the lands Scituate now stands on for thousands of years. Waterbody/Watershed: Scituate Harbor/Atlantic Ocean, NSRWA Office 7 reviews Unclaimed Landmarks & Historical Buildings Write a review Add photo Photos & videos See all 52 photos See All 52 Location & Hours Suggest an edit Cedar Point Scituate, MA 02066 Get directions Ask the Community Ask a question Yelp users haven't asked any questions yet about Scituate Lighthouse. What would happen next would earn the girls the nickname the "American Army of Two." Sunrise had marine layer and fog. This was a great little stop - the lighthouse was unfortunately under construction (owing to the 4 starts), but the views around the water were great. Minor repairs were made, but major reconstruction was not undertaken as plans were afoot to build a light on Minots Ledge. (National Archives) Latitude: 42 12' 18" N This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. ** This year denotes a station date. The resident keepers also serve as tour guides during the open houses hosted several times each year. 100 Lighthouse Rd, Scituate, MA 02066-3538, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites Cafe Gluten Free Options, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. The trio managed to finish the work in September 1811, two months ahead of schedule, and Captain Simeon Bates was appointed first keeper that December. Definitely wear actual shoesflip flops are not in order for this walk on the large boulders. 2023 North & South Rivers Watershed Association. According to the Scituate Historical Society, the original Scituate Lighthouse a 25-foot tower composed of split granite blocks was constructed at Cedar Point in 1810. Nauset Light Location: Eastham, MA Set on the Cape Cod National Seashore, Nauset Light is one of the most iconic lighthouses in Massachusetts open to the public. Old Scituate Light (Scituate, MA) By New England Nomad. Recently the Blizzard of Dec 26, 2010 caused the most damage to the lighthouse, tunnels, and cottage, and flooded many neighboring homes. Between 1885 and 1890, to improve the harbor at Scituate, the federal government constructed a 630-foot breakwater. Some history behind the light house as well. Nathaniel Gill, Charles Gill, and Joseph Hammond Jr. finished the station the week of September 19, 1811, a full two months ahead of schedule. The story is interesting and the quaint home and lighthouse are worth a look. The Rise and Demise of the Largest Coal Schooners: Of course, one of the most famous events was The Army of Two when Rebecca and Abigail Bates scared off a British raiding party during the War of 1812. Funds from the Community Preservation Act help to maintain the safety and structural integrity of the lighthouse and cottage. Follow Route 3 South to exit 13, and then take Route 53 North to Route 123 (Main Street). It was put up for sale by the federal government in 1916, and purchased by the Town of Scituate (with the help of private donors) in 1917 for $4000, saving it from public auction. The area around the lighthouse is a favorite for many artists to paint and enjoy, and many locals are members of the Scituate Art Association. Henry "Hank" Irvin Stahr Jr. (1924-2014) was enamored with the ocean since his boyhood days in Scituate MA, where he played on the First Cliff rocks as a boy, worked as an Irish mosser as a teen, and taught his children how to sail as an adult. The British army believed the Scituate militia was approaching, pulled the anchor and left the area.There are people who believe that the ghosts of Abigail and Rebecca haunt the lighthouse property and that their fife and drum music can be heard when the wind blows and the sound can be carried.A very old and pretty lighthouse. The town had a small, but protected harbor comprised of Cedar Point to the north and First Cliff to the south. The funding for the work came from the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, and by the following summer, the work on the tower was complete. This was definitely one of my favorite lighthouses. Left in charge were his daughters, 21-year-old Rebecca and 17-year-old Abigail. Unfortunately we werent there on a day when the lighthouse was open. Once there, I love to walk around the grounds of the lighthouse which of course is always near water.The Scituate Lighthouse is a bit different in structure from other MA lighthouses.It was not open to the public when we visited but there is a nearby beach, a long breakwater to walk out on and lots of rocks. Head Keepers: Simeon Bates (1811 1834), Zeba Cushing (1834 1840), Ebenezer Osborne (1841 1849), James Y. Bates (1849 1851), Anthony Waterman (1851 1853), Alonzo Jones (1853 1856), Thomas Richardson (1856 1859), John E.O. The Scituate Lighthouse is a beautiful stop when visiting the area. I got a little history lesson about this charming lighthouse and was able to picture the people of the past saving the town from war and sailors from shipwreck. Most important you don't need a sticker to park. Some sources say the light was first lit in September 1811, but a Notice to Mariners published in January 1812, gives the date as April 1, 1812. I love lighthouses, and this one was worth the stop. Accessibility Disclaimer Grounds around the tower are open to the public year round. All rights reserved. Walk out the rocky area behind the lighthouse to get another aspect of the lighthouse. use only. Fieldstone Show Park (14.8 mi . Although the keeper's dwelling at Scituate was used frequently, the lighthouse had been abandoned since 1860. The Boston Mariners Society proposed that Scituate Light be eclipsed and some of its range obscured to differentiate it from the fixed Boston Light. Scituate Lighthouse Restoration Project . Boston to Plymouth Day-Trip including Quincy, Plimoth Patuxet and Mayflower II, Plymouth and South Shore Full Day Private Tour, Martha's Vineyard Daytrip from Boston with Round-Trip Ferry & Island Tour Option, Provincetown & Cape Cod High Speed Ferry to/from Boston, Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran, PRIVATE Authentic Revolutionary Boston Walking Tour, Boston to Kennebunkport with Optional Lobster Tour, 1.5 or 2-Hour Boston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise Aboard a Classic Tall Ship, Real Pirates Salem Museum General Admission Ticket, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.