During the War of 1812, the keeper's daughters prevented a British raid by playing loud music to simulate a large militia presence.
The lighthouse underwent a major structural restoration in the 1990s to repair granite blocks and mortar damaged by erosion.
The tower was originally built with split fieldstone before being encased in granite blocks later in its history.
The beacon was officially relit as a private aid to navigation in 2006, nearly a century after its primary decommissioning.
The light's signature is a single white flash every six seconds, visible for approximately 10 nautical miles.
Scituate Lighthouse is a historic granite tower situated at the northern entrance of Scituate Harbor in Massachusetts. Constructed in 1810, the lighthouse was commissioned by the federal government to secure the busy coastal shipping route. It is famously known as the home of the 'Lighthouse Army of Two,' Abigail and Rebecca Bates, who used a fife and drum to scare off British troops during the War of 1812. The structure stands 47 feet tall and is connected to a keeper's house. It was automated in 1930 and eventually deactivated as an active aid to navigation in 1994. The site is currently owned by the Town of Scituate and maintained by the Scituate Historical Society. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
From the rocky jetty facing the harbor during sunset.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven, rocky terrain surrounding the lighthouse base.
Check local tide charts, as high tide can cover some of the low-lying rocks near the water.
Respect the residential privacy of neighbors by parking only in designated areas.
Do not attempt to climb the tower exterior; interior access is restricted to guided tours only.
Interior tours are limited to select dates during the summer months; the grounds are open year-round.
Stay on marked paths to prevent dune erosion and respect private property lines near the keeper's house.
