Allan B. Wood
Boston Harbor’s numerous rocky islands and treacherous shoals wreaked havoc on mariners navigating the harbor at night, in fog, or during storms, leading to frequent shipwrecks. In 1715, the General Court of Massachusetts allocated funds to build a 'lighthouse' on Little Brewster Island at the entrance to the massive harbor, nearly ten miles from the Boston shore. Its location also placed it a mile across a narrow shipping channel from a seven-mile-long peninsula extending from the mainland village of Hull. Boston Light was first lit on September 14, 1716, and served as North America’s first navigational beacon. This book not only recounts the historic events surrounding America’s first lighthouse but also explores its connections to its keepers, the Hull lifesavers of the late nineteenth century, and notable figures such as Ben Franklin, as well as to the Revolutionary War and other conflicts. The book examines the colonial era’s cultural and social norms and provides a detailed account of the life and tragedy of its first keeper, George Worthylake. It also highlights famous shipwrecks and rescues near the beacon, sharing personal stories of the lighthouse’s keepers and their families. Boston Harbor’s worst tragedy, the wreck of the Maritana near the lighthouse, is described in detail. A section on the Hull lifesavers of the late 1800s describes notable rescues, including those by the renowned lifesaver Joshua James. Many of these rescues were successful thanks to cooperation with Boston Light’s keepers, who signaled lifesavers when wrecks were sighted. Some mysteries surrounding the beacon are examined, including the initial curse believed to have affected the lighthouse, the cursed lady figurehead recovered from the Maritana wreck, and the 'Ghost Walk.' An appendix outlines possible hauntings. The book is filled with vivid imagery from sketches and paintings, as well as black-and-white and color photos that effectively convey these stories. Boston Light celebrates its 310th anniversary in 2026. Its original Fresnel lens, whose beam reaches up to 27 miles, continues to guide ships and local fishermen into and out of the harbor, as it has for centuries. It remains an iconic symbol of endurance, security, and hope.
