Highland Light
The Highland Light (previously known as Cape Cod Light) is an active lighthouse on the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro, Massachusetts. The current tower was erected in 1857, replacing two earlier towers that had been built in 1797 and 1831. It is the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Cape Cod.
| Location | North Truro, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°2′22.282″N 70°3′39.377″W |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1797 |
| Foundation | Natural/emplaced |
| Construction | Brick |
| Automated | 1987 |
| Height | 66 feet (20 m) |
| Shape | Conical |
| Markings | White with black lantern |
| Heritage | National Register of Historic Places listed place |
| Fog signal | none |
| Light | |
| First lit | 1857 (current structure) |
| Focal height | 170 feet (52 m) |
| Lens | 1st order Fresnel lens (original), VegaMarine LED Beacon (current) |
| Range | 18 nautical miles (33 km; 21 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 5s, lighted continuously |
Highland Light Station | |
U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
| Location | Off SR 6, Truro, Massachusetts |
| Area | 6.5 acres (2.6 ha) |
| Built | 1857 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| Part of | Truro Highlands Historic District (ID11000823) |
| MPS | Lighthouses of Massachusetts TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 87001463 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | June 15, 1987 |
| Designated CP | November 22, 2011 |
The grounds are open year-round, while the light is open to the public from May until late October, with guided tours available. Highland Light is owned by the National Park Service, and was cared for by the Highland Museum and Lighthouse, Inc. until 2014 when Eastern National, another non-profit group, took over the contract to operate the facility as a tourist attraction. The United States Coast Guard operates the light as an aid to navigation. The United States Navy ship USS Highland Light (IX-48) was named after the light. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Highland Light Station.