Once regarded as the salvation of boats struggling to enter the rocky and narrow Boston Harbor passage, it remains a familiar landmark on nautical charts and – despite improved navigation technology – continues to help keep modern ships from running aground. "I know the position is special, I'm not special."īoston Light was the first light station in North America built in 1716, it was destroyed by the British during the American Revolution, and rebuilt in 1783. Snowman who, from here inside the lighthouse's 360-degrees of windows, can see the Weymouth shore where she grew up dreaming of working in the historic Boston Light.Īs a walking encyclopedia of Boston Light trivia and the author of the book "Boston Light: A Historical Perspective," Snowman considers her job an honor. "I've had many jobs over the years, but this is absolutely the best one," says Ms. And she's on her way to inspect the lens, polish the heavy glass prisms, and grease the wheels that rotate the five-ton mechanism – the very same equipment installed in 1859. She is the last Coast Guard lighthouse keeper in the US – at the oldest lighthouse site in the nation. For 224 years it has flashed a warning to everyone from captains of tall ships to modern sailors of war, commerce, and leisure.Īs a frosty winter wind whips whitecaps around the island, Sally Snowman, bundled in heavy jacket, hat, gloves, and boots, climbs the metal spiral of 76 steps in the lighthouse, maintaining the daily ritual of generations of Boston Light keepers before her.
On the outer rim of Boston Harbor atop a rocky three-acre island sits a tall, whitewashed beacon – the Boston Light.
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