Liberty Jail Historic Site | Kansas City

The Thatcher Island Lighthouse is a dual lighthouse system located on Thatcher Island, approximately 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) east of Cape Ann in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Visual Characteristics

The two lighthouses are identical, cylindrical towers constructed of granite blocks. Each tower stands approximately 30 meters (100 feet) tall and is painted white with a black lantern room. The granite construction provides a durable and weathered appearance.

Location & Access Logistics

Access to Thatcher Island is exclusively by boat. Private boat owners can anchor offshore, weather permitting. Commercial boat tours to the island operate seasonally from Gloucester Harbor, typically departing from the docks near the Maritime Heritage Center. There is no public vehicle access or parking on the island itself. The nearest mainland access point is Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current granite towers were constructed in 1886, replacing earlier wooden structures built in 1771. They were established to serve as navigational aids for vessels approaching the treacherous coastline of Cape Ann. The island itself is a rocky outcropping of metamorphic rock, primarily gneiss, with limited soil cover supporting sparse coastal vegetation.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the grounds surrounding the lighthouses. Guided tours of the lighthouse interiors are sometimes available through specific historical society programs, allowing access to the lantern rooms. Birdwatching is a significant activity, as the island is a stopover point for migratory birds. Observation of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding coastline is also a primary activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no permanent visitor facilities on Thatcher Island. Restrooms are not available. Shade is minimal, provided only by the lighthouse structures themselves. Cell phone signal is generally unreliable due to the island's remote location and lack of infrastructure.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for visiting is during the warmer months, from May through October, when boat tours are most reliably operating and weather conditions are generally more favorable. For photography, early morning or late afternoon light offers distinct shadows and illumination on the granite towers. High tide is not a specific requirement for access, but sea conditions can impact boat travel.

Facts & Legends

Thatcher Island's lighthouses were automated in 1981, ending the era of resident lighthouse keepers. A notable historical oddity is that the two towers were built to be identical, allowing mariners to distinguish them from other single-lighthouse installations and confirm their position relative to the dangerous shoals.

Nearby Landmarks

• Cape Ann Museum (4.8km Southwest)
• Gloucester Harbor (5.6km Southwest)
• Hammond Castle Museum (4.5km West)
• Eastern Point Lighthouse (6.2km West)
• Rockport Art Association & Museum (7.1km Northwest)