Historical Lighthouses of Newburyport

Newburyport, Massachusetts is not only a vibrant harbor town, featuring an historic waterfront, cobblestone streets and a bustling downtown, it boasts a rich maritime history and is home to three iconic lighthouses that guided sailors home for centuries.

Plum Island Lighthouse

Located at 79th Street on Plum Island in Newburyport, Massachusetts the Newburyport Harbor Light as it is also known, has been a part of Newburyport’s maritime history since it was constructed in the late 1700s. The lighthouse is still operational today – even though it no longer requires a keeper. Continuing to flash its green light, the lighthouse guides boaters along the challenging coastline where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic Ocean even today. Currently this historical landmark is cared for and maintained by The Friends of Plum Island Light and occasionally offers tours, learn more here.

Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light

This lighthouse has a counterpart, the Rear Range Light, that it worked in tandem with as a harbor guide to sailors since 1873. Although not a beacon for navigation today, the role of this pair of lights was considered ingenious maritime navigation in its day and provided safe guidance into the harbor for many vessels.

Today the Front Range Light (35 feet tall) is located at the Merrimack River Coast Guard Station at 85 Water Street in Newburyport where it was moved to in 1964.

Newburyport Rear Range Light

The Rear Range Light can be found at 61 ½ Water Street in Newburyport. Here it worked in conjunction with the Newburyport Harbor Front Range Light, strategically placed so that sailors could line up the two lights as part of their safe navigation of the Merrimack River harbor. Today, this lighthouse has been repurposed into an incredible one of a kind dining experience that offers incredible panoramic views of the area.

The Lighthouse Preservation Society manages the lighthouse and notes that it is ‘the only lighthouse in the United States where you can enjoy a private meal at the top.’.

Greater Newburyport Area Charm

Whether you love history, lighthouses or just want to enjoy a day at a scenic coastal New England city, Newburyport has so much to offer from dining, to shopping, museums and seasonal events throughout the area. Discover your dream home with the assistance of a Lamacchia Realty agent – Meet our Amesbury and Newburyport area REALTORS®!