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In 1794, Reverend James Freeman, writing on behalf of the Massachusetts Historical Society, requested the Federal Government to build a lighthouse on the land that was considered the highest elevation point of Cape Cod, and that was positioned a few miles south of a dangerous waterway known as Peaked Hill Bars.
After the approval of Congress, Highland Light, named for its geographic location, was built in 1797. It was the 7th light constructed in the new country.
After many repairs to the original wooden light, the current standing lighthouse was built in 1857 for $15,000 and fitted with a first order Fresnel lens which was important for ocean lighthouses that needed far reaching visibility. This first order Fresnel made the lighthouse one of the brightest on the eastern seaboard.
In 1901, an even larger 1st order Fresnel lens was placed in the lighthouse that unquestionably established Highland Lighthouse as the brightest beacon in America.
During the European/American immigration of the late 1800's, Highland Lighthouse would be the first site of America that many immigrants would see as they approached Boston Harbor, and pursued their dreams in their new land.
In World War I, the US Navy used the land at Highland Lighthouse to build a Navy radio station that was very important to our offshore Naval efforts.
In the bicentennial year, the light's name was officially change to Cape Cod Light.
After 140 years of cliff erosion, which can be up to 3 feet a year, the light's position became dangerously close to the edge of 100 foot cliffs. The edge of the cliff placement that was originally meant to aid the beacon cast its light, now threatened its existence. Realizing the severity of the situation, the Truro Historical Society spearheaded a grass roots effort to collect funds to save North Truro's most popular landmark.
The $150,000 dollars that was raised by the Historical Society was complimented by $1.5 million in government funds, and the lighthouse in 1996 was moved 450 ft. back from the edge of the cliffs by the same company that moved the Block Island Southeast Light a few years prior.
Majesty Score: 4
At 66 feet tall, the presence, not the height, of this lighthouse takes over in the majesty score. It has a very strong character and sits high upon the bluffs.
Its age coupled with the steadfast feeling that it gives off in your presence gives it a very impressive majesty while viewing it in person.
Water View Score: 5
In the 1850's, writer Henry David Thoreau who stayed at Highland Light, and was later known for his book about Cape Cod, wrote about the Cape Cod area, "A man can stand here and put all of America behind him." 150 years later, Thoreau's words still ring true.
The lighthouse sits 100 feet over the sea and lines up the visitor's eye level with the horizon where the water meets the sky. It is definitely a awe inspiring ocean view that you will love.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get a view of the majesty of the cliffs below the light because the lighthouse grounds are restricted as to where normal visitors have access to, where they can walk and how close they can get to the cliffs.
Preservation Score: 4
In April 2001, wide spread revamping was done to the light tower and really made the tower look pristine. The repairs took care of stripping the lead paint inside the tower and included a comprehensive campaign against rust.
This overhall and renovation was in addition to the much publicized relocation of the 900,000 pound structure in 1996.
The site is managed by the Highland Museum and Lighthouse, Inc. They do a very an extremely commendable job.
This Massachusetts' Lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Surrounding Area Score: 4
North Truro is a beautiful community with a lot of waterfront property. Unfortunately, Route 6, which cuts the Cape in half running up the center of the land mass has no ocean views while traveling up the Cape to Truro, thus making the ride somewhat uneventful.
One must really leave the main route to see and enjoy the serene Atlantic Ocean beaches or the bay on the western side of this gorgeous outbranch of the country.
The population of the Cape tends to get more scattered and the area more remote as one travels north on the Cape. North Truro is really a great community and would be great for a visit or vacation stay! Cape Cod has great lodging and cozy bed and breakfasts to let your enjoy your lighthouse vacation or to return to Cape Cod many times.
Accessibility Score: 5
Cape Cod Light rates a 5 on accessibility and offers a great chance to climb the light tower and really enjoy the view!
What makes this light tower so unforgettable is that it is situated right in the middle of the Highland Links Golf Course! It is really something to see - - a lighthouse right in the middle of a 9 hole golf course!
Highland Light Golf Course, a Scottich links style 9 hole golf course, is the one of the oldest golf courses on the east coast, dating back to 1892.
The light was originally on the edge of the course, but with its relocation back from the eroding cliffs the lighthouse almost kisses the 7th hole!
When we were there the tour guide showed us a light tower window that was shattered with a sliced golf ball. Fore!!!!!!!!!! You can actually see the window taped up to the right. So please keepem' on the fairway and take mercy on this national treasure.
As a suggestion to those who can play golf, a quick round of golf might be justified because it opens access areas around the lighthouse to you that non-golf visitors can't get to. You can practice taking a few shots off your game and take some really great shots that most of the tourists would not be able to get. Also, the 3rd hole is right up against the cliffs on the south side looking back at the lighthouse and will let you get a shot of the light with the ocean sprawled out to its right!
One nice effort on the part of North Truro is that they have assembled a wooden lookout/observation porch near the edge of the cliffs where everyone can get a great view of the ocean.
The lighthouse tour guides at Cape Cod Lighthouse are very good and make the history of the light come alive.
The keeper's house features a gift shop and a small museum on the light.
Also, the lighthouse tour hours are very visitor friendly. The grounds are open all year, and the tower is open from May until October, 7 days a week, 10:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. Please check the link below for specifics.
Right below is the view from on top of the tower. In the picture on the right you can see a large stone just to the left of where the path ends towards the ocean - near the lookout platform. That was the original location of the lighthouse. Also, you don't have to take our words on how entrenched this lighthouse is to the golf course. The picture to the right also features golfers and a golf cart on the 7th hole.
Beacon Score: 3
The lighthouse features a VRB-25 light, which is a plastic, small scale replica of a Fresnel lens, that flashes every 5 seconds.
Overall Score and Overview: 30
Highland/Cape Cod Light is one of the must see lights in America due to its heritage and location. It is a national treasure, located in another national treasure, The Cape Cod National Seashore.
It is definitely worth the drive up the Cape to see the beauty of this magnificent light and feel its aura.
Bring your golf clubs and plenty of film! You will need both!
Directions: North on Route 6 through Truro Center. Right on Highland Road. Right on Coast Guard Road, then quick left on Lighthouse Road.
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