Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!
New England Road Trip➤
Patty and I hit the road again in April 2023. We planned to visit a friend in Rhode Island and attend a meetup of the National Park Travelers Club in Massachusetts. Along the way we hit several other National Park Units and historic sites. We spent one morning exploring Cape Cod, including the Nauset Light.
Cape Cod National Seashore➤
The Laurentide Ice Sheet, which covered much of North America during the last Ice Age, formed Cape Cod as it advanced and retreated. Cape Cod is the largest glacial peninsula in the world.
An act of Congress designated Cape Cod National Seashore and President John F. Kennedy signed it into law on August 7, 1961. President Kennedy, a Massachusetts native, had a strong connection to Cape Cod. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the national seashore. He recognized the importance of preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Cape Cod for future generations, and the establishment of the national seashore was a significant step in achieving that goal.
Cape Cod National Seashore protects forty miles of pristine sandy beach, salt marshes, ponds, and upland forests. These ecosystems support diverse species of plants and animals. Lighthouses, historic landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs provide insights into Cape Cod’s rich history and enduring traditions. Meanwhile, beaches, waterways, and extensive walking and biking paths offer modern-day visitors a wide range of recreational experiences.
Nauset Light➤
Nauset Light is a restored lighthouse in Cape Cod National Seashore on Nauset Beach. This lighthouse was built using the 1877 tower relocated from Chatham Light. It stands at a height of 48 feet and is accompanied by a brick oil house. It now operates as a fully automated private aid to navigation. The Nauset Light Preservation Society manages the light and offers summer tours.
The history of Nauset Light dates back to 1877 when its original tower was constructed in Chatham. In 1923, the tower moved to Eastham to replace the decommissioned Three Sisters of Nauset. The red top section of the tower was added in the 1940s. Over the years, the light was automated, and the keeper’s house was sold in 1955. The owner eventually donated the house to the National Park Service.
Due to coastal erosion, by the early 1990s, Nauset Light was perilously close to the edge of a 70-foot cliff. The Coast Guard contemplated decommissioning the light in 1993, sparking public outcry. In response, the Nauset Light Preservation Society organized and secured funding. In 1995, the society leased the lighthouse from the Coast Guard and organized the successful relocation of both the tower and the brick oil house 336 feet west of their original positions. They re-illuminated the light on May 10, 1997, with ownership transferred to the National Park Service during the ceremony.
New England Posts➤
- Mark Twain
- Roger Williams
- Slater Mill
- New Bedford Whaling
- Cape Cod: Nauset Marsh Trail
- Cape Cod: Three Sisters Lights
- Cape Cod: Nauset Light
- Pilgrim Memorial State Park
- Minute Man: Hartwell
- Minute Man: Battle Road
- Springfield Armory
Location: 120 Nauset Light Beach Rd, Eastham, MA
Designation: National Seashore
Date designated/established: August 7, 1961
Date of my visit: April 14, 2023
Thinking of Kennedy’s effort made me think of Teddy Roosevelt and how important it is to have presidents who have some acquaintance with nature and its value to humanity. I also have high regard for citizen groups that have taken a hand in saving historical and natural areas. A lot less of that would happen without their efforts. I would add one’s like yours. Thanks. –Curt
Aw thanks, Curt. I would add that it’s an important quality to consider when voting for any elected official. One of our NJ Congressmen championed the inclusion of Paterson Great Falls into the National Park Service along with the citizen group of the Hamilton Society. A natural wonder and historic gem, the Park Service has done much to revitalize this section of a poor urban area over the last decade. When Biden was still a senator he helped Delaware to get its first and only park unit. Certainly the President in office sets the tone for how we will care for these places, but a local representative who needs to answer to his or her constituents is easier for a citizens group to petition than the commander in chief.
Way back when I first became active in the environmental movement, which was right after Earth Day 1, I created an organization to elect environmentally concerned candidates to the Sacramento City Council and Board of Supervisors. It paid off for years in how the two bodies responded to environmental issues. I agree, the local level is extremely important.
I’m always glad when citizens band together to save historic structures. Too often no one does a thing except moan about something that was destroyed.
So true! Some of the people in my town banded together when the Revolutionary War era home of a Patriot was in danger of being bulldozed for condos. They raised enough money to buy the house and some of the property. They’ve been restoring it for years, hold living history reenactments for the town’s schoolchildren every April on the anniversary of John Fell’s arrest by the British and other activities that serve to enhance the community.
I’m glad they were able to save that light by relocating it.
Me too! They may need to do the same with some of our NJ lighthouses soon. The Atlantic is a merciless adversary to lighthouses.
Especially with the tropical storms ,hurricanes ,2 plus inch rain storms etc. we have experienced that last ten years or so.
Your vivid narration of traversing New England’s majestic landscapes, particularly the Cape Cod National Seashore, birthed from the Laurentide Ice Sheet, is captivating. Exploring the historic Nauset Light, with its rich legacy dating back to 1877, adds a fascinating depth. Thank you, T, for sharing these adventures and the historical context that brings these landmarks to life!
Thanks, Michael! I am glad you enjoyed my post.