Boston Light on Little Brewster Island has guided ships into outer Boston Harbor since 1716, making it the first lighthouse built in what is now the United States and an early fixture of Boston’s maritime trade. Destroyed during the American Revolution after repeated attacks and the British evacuation, it was rebuilt in 1783 and later enlarged and modernized in 1856. Its history includes the drowning of first keeper George Worthylake, early fog-signal use, experiments to improve navigation, and a 1918 rescue that saved 24 shipwrecked sailors. Still an active aid to navigation, it remains a powerful historic symbol and the only actively staffed lighthouse in the United States Coast Guard after automation in 1998.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Boston, Massachusetts · USA