Minot's Ledge Lighthouse

• The lighthouse was constructed in 1860, and still stands to this day.


• The lighthouse was equipped with a third order Fresnel lens, which allows the light to shine out further from the lighthouse.


• The lighthouse is made from granite cut from Quincy, MA.


• The lighthouse was constructed because over 40 vessels had been lost in a short period of time, along with countless lives near the shore.


• Waves have actually gone over the top of the lighthouse in storms, with nothing more than strong vibration occuring within the lighthouse.


• Automated in 1947, the lighthouse can now be seen for 15 miles.

A replica of the third order fresnal lens used on Minot's Ledge Lighthouse can be found on Government Island in Cohasset, MA. Directly on the horizon, you can spot the real Minot's Ledge Lighthouse. On the island (which isn't really an island, and is connected to mainland Cohasset via Government Island Road), you can find the replica fresnal lens and tributes to the keepers of the fallen lighthouse which stood from 1850-1851.

The backside of the tribute stone on Government Island, close-up.

To get to Government Island, follow Route 3A in North Scituate to Gannett Road. Take a left on Border Street, then a right on Government Island Road to Cohasset Cove and the parking lot featuring the replica.

The third order fresnal lens and replica of the lantern room on Government Island, Cohasset.