Uncover a little bit of maritime history and visit one of the lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard. There are five lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard, each offering their own unique look and story to tell. So, grab your camera and start exploring!
The West Chop Lighthouse
Built in 1817, the West Chop Lighthouse has since moved back from the edge of the 60-foot bluff to avoid slipping away to sea due to erosion and harsh weather. Located at the entrance of Vineyard Haven Harbor, the West Chop became the last lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard to be automated, although you can still see the original lens in operation. The former lightkeeper’s cottage is now vacant but often used by the U.S. Coast Guard. The best way to see the lighthouse is aboard a ferry to and from Woods Hole.
The East Chop Lighthouse
On the other side of the harbor at Vineyard Haven is East Chop in Oak Bluffs, where the East Chop Lighthouse lives. Here is the site of the first telegraph signals (thus the name Telegraph Hill), put up in 1828. The signals received from Nantucket were broadcast here for Woods Hole, South Plymouth, Duxbury, Marshfield, and Dorchester. While it stands today covered in white paint, it once was named the Chocolate Lighthouse for its brown-red color. The lighthouse is typically open seasonally on Sunday evenings around sunset and is run by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the lighthouse is closed for the 2020 season.
The Gay Head Lighthouse
The unique red-brick structure of the Gay Head Lighthouse stands out amongst the other lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard. Located in the town of Aquinnah, the Gay Head Lighthouse sits dangerously close to the rugged seashore cliffs that make up this beautiful part of the island, where it was actually moved in 2015 to avoid being sent out to sea. The beautiful Fresnel lens was installed in 1856 and is now housed in the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. The lighthouse park is open to the public, but the interior is only open for tours seasonally.
Edgartown Lighthouse
Built in 1828, the Edgartown Lighthouse was raised on a small man-made island in the Edgartown Harbor. Originally, to access the lighthouse, one had to travel by boat, but now the lighthouse is surrounded by a beach formed in 1939 with a footbridge that brings you to its front doorstep. Major renovations in 2007 allowed for stairs to be added to the interior of the lighthouse, allowing it to be open to visitors.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the lighthouse is closed for the 2020 season.
The Cape Poge Lighthouse
Standing guard at the northeast end of Chappaquiddick Island, the Cape Poge Lighthouse is the island’s most remote light. Having been lost at sea several times, the lighthouse has been built and re-built over the years, with the current lighthouse (built in 1922) moved four different times since to avoid being swept out to sea. It also earned the distinction as the first lighthouse to be moved by helicopter in 1985.
Each of the lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard are accessible by road except the Cape Poge Lighthouse, and the West Chop Lighthouse is the only one not open to the public.
Stay at Menemsha Inn
Uncover a bit of history with a visit to these lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard and stay at Menemsha Inn. Always keeping the light on for you, our year-round charming inn is located in the 300-year old fishing village of Menemsha and offers the perfect Martha’s Vineyard retreat. Our accommodations feature ocean and garden views, with 15 delightful guest rooms, 12 cottages, and three vacation homes to choose from. Plus, our 30-acre property offers a beautiful setting with easy access to beaches, dining, and island activities. We look forward to having you!