The original beacons from Chatham were two pyramidal shaped wood towers on timber foundations in 1808. The seperate lights were chosen to help distinguish them from other lights in the area. By 1841, they were badly deteriorated, so two larger 40 foot high brick towers were built inland to replace the originals. In 1879, the south tower fell over the encroaching bluff, with the north tower doomed to follow 2 years later.
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In 1877, two cast iron towers were constructed further inland, at 100 yards apart. 4th order Fresnel lenses were added to both towers, as well as a twinplex keeper's quarters and oil house. In 1923, the north tower was dismantled and moved to N. Eastham to become the Nauset Beach Light. The existing light is still active, and the house is a Coast Guard Station. We had the opportunity of touring inside the station & climbing the tower.
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