Hospital Point Lighthouse

Established 1872

Hospital Point Light was constructed and first lighted in 1872 to help guide vessels into Salem and Beverly Harbors. The original two-story keeper's house and oil house are still being used.

The name Hospital Point stems from a smallpox hospital built on this site in 1801. The hospital, used as a barracks in the War of 1812, burned down in 1849. A watch house was built on these grounds as early as 1711. The "J" Shaped earth-work fort, which still stands, was built on the upper grounds in 1775.

The lighthouse was automated in 1947 and still serves as a Federal Aid to Navigation. The Light Keeper's House is home to the First Coast Guard District Commander and his or her family.

Construction Material Brick with granite foundation

Tower Height: 45 feet

Height and Focal Plane: 70 Feet

Characteristic: Fixed White

Optic: 3 1/2 Order Fresnel Lens

Marker is on Bay View Road 0.2 miles south of Neptune Street, on the right when traveling north.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources:

HMDB