Chatham, Massachusetts
Established in 1823, the Monomoy Point Lighthouse helped sailors
navigate around the neck that hangs from the elbow of Cape Cod.
After 100 years (in 1923), it was determined that the powerful
lighthouse in Chatham was sufficient. Sea traffic around
outer Cape Cod had lessened since the opening of the
Cape Cod Canal in 1914 so the Monomoy Point Light
was deactivated.
In the past overnight visits to the lighthouse were arranged via the friends
of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge group. Unfortunately the last
few winters and vandalism have required many costly repairs and
currently, in the interest of public safety, visitors are not allowed
to stay in the lighthouse or keepers house.
The lighthouse itself was built in an area that is difficult to get to.
During the summer season, there are ferry services that will
take you to Monomoy and back. One such service is:
http://www.monomoyislandferry.com/
another Monomoy ferry service is:
http://www.outermostharbor.com/
These ferry services will take you to North Monomoy and
you should plan on doing a fair amount of hiking if you
plan on getting to the lighthouse.
Photos of Hardings Beach and Stage Harbor Lighthouse can be found at:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/182336341usgVVG?start=0
Long Point Light