Before the lighthouse ever came to be, ships tended to sail by day and near the coastline. Natural landmarks, winds, currents and the use of the stars were the navigational aids to mariners. Some primitive maps and charts were used, which gave water depths measured by lead line and contemporary anchors on a rope. Some early cultures developed compasses and other devices to navigate. Fires lit on shore were first used, but were not very bright and needed to be tended.

The earliest "lighthouses" around the world were merely bonfires on beaches or cliffs. The first recorded lighthouse was first lit in Alexandria in 285 B.C. Prior to the construction and lighting of Boston Light, the beacons that were used were just lanterns on poles. One of the earliest was a beacon at Point Allerton in Hull in 1673.

Massachusetts is a pretty small state but has a very long coastline and many harbors. One of the greatest things about Boston and the surrounding area are the large number of lighthouses where some are still working and some are not. There are somewhere in the vicinity of 60, of which at least 47 are active and running. In addition, 3 historic lightships are moored in Massachusetts. It is impossible to generalize about Massachusetts lighthouses; nearly every variety is represented in the state. The Boston Harbor Light is the nation's second oldest tower and represents the oldest United States light station.

There are numerous tours offered in the area by boat or flying and they are narrated by lighthouse experts, or by different members of foundations. The tours normally begin in Boston and will pass by Long Island Head Light and Deer Island Light, and then pass near Boston Light, the oldest lighthouse station in America. Heading north, the tour can pass by several sites including Graves Light, Hospital Point Light, Marblehead Light, Fort Pickering Light, Bakers Island Light, Eastern Point Light, Ten Pound Island Light, Straitsmouth Island Light and more. The Northern Lights tour culminates with a view of Thacher Island, site of the only still operating twin lighthouses left in the entire country. These types of tours routinely last about 5 hours.

Boston Light, was built on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor in 1716 was America's first lighthouse. A teenage Ben Franklin wrote a "doggeral ditty" about the death by drowning of the first keeper, George Worthlake. The lighthouse suffered damage during the Revolutionary War from both the Americans and the British and required an extensive rebuilding in 1783.

Today, Boston Light's 98 foot tower flashes its 1.75 million candlepower beacon every ten seconds, visible for 27 miles. The lighthouse is the last remaining manned station in the United States. Residents and visitors from near and far, now come into the harbor and to the islands for nature walks, picnics, swimming, camping, historic tours, and other recreational activities.

You can experience all the beauty of the islands through a ranger-guided tour! You'll learn all about the area and can visit Boston Light and even meet the US Coast Guard light keeper.

If you enjoy helicopters, your party of two to four passengers can fly over New England's prettiest sandy beaches along the famous rocky shoreline, cruise by secluded harbors, and get an up close and personal look at enchanted lighthouses and hidden private estates. In different shapes and sizes, on rocky points or on remote islands, enchanted or plain functional you’ll view 11 lighthouses - the most lighthouses you will fly over anywhere in the world within 30 minutes!

However you or your group choose to take your tour of Boston’s Lighthouses, don't forget your camera, film and binoculars and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. On the water you may think about bringing sunscreen and sunglasses. Lastly, if you feel like you need assistance in the planning stages of your trip consult a Group Travel Specialist for the most informative travel guidance. Enjoy yourself, wherever your travels take you!

Lisa Van Horn