Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts West Chop Light main page / History / Bibliography / Cruises / Photos / Postcards / Maps History
The harbor at Vineyard Haven was Martha's Vineyard's busiest in the 19th century, and is still busy with ferry traffic today. The harbor is protected by two areas of land known as East Chop and West Chop. For many years West Chop was mainly a sheep pasture until it grew into an exclusive summer resort in the late 19th century. The little colony at West Chop had its own steamboat service from the mainland.
The first 25-foot rubblestone tower at West Chop was built in 1817 for $5,000. The town was then called Holmes Hole, and the lighthouse was sometimes called Holmes Hole Light. James West became the first keeper at $350 per year.
In 1838 Inspector Carpender found the station in excellent order, "justifying the high reputation it enjoys along the coast." He also noted that erosion threatened the tower.
Inspector I.W.P. Lewis recognized the importance of West Chop Light in 1843:
"This light being placed at the Chops of the Vineyard sound, is exceedingly useful for all coasters bound east or west. It also affords an excellent mark for clearing various shoals, and indicates the position of Holmes's Hole anchorage. The present keeper deserves praise for the great neatness of the establishment."
James West was still keeper in 1843, and reported that the tower and dwelling were both leaky. The inside of the tower was coated with ice in winter. West also complained that he was not allowed a boat, which prevented him "from rendering assistance to the many vessels that get ashore in this neighborhood." The keeper pointed out that the bluff on which the lighthouse stood had eroded to within 37 feet of the tower's base.It was decided to build a new house and tower in 1846, almost 1,000 feet southeast of the original location. James West was still keeper when the new tower was completed. He resigned in 1847.
West Chop Light c. 1870s Three range lights were added in 1854, replaced in 1856 by a range light on the keeper's house. The range light was discontinued in 1859.
In 1877 a schooner loaded with bricks ran aground near the lighthouse. Tons of bricks were thrown overboard so the vessel could float, and the bricks could be seen for many decades at low tide.
A steam driven fog signal housed in a new building was added in 1882, and the same year an assistant keeper's house was built.
By 1891 West Chop had become a summer resort and the proliferation of large houses in the area began to obscure the light. A 17-foot mast with the light on top was added to the tower, then the 1846 tower was replaced by a new 45-foot brick tower, painted red. The new West Chop Light was painted white in 1896.
West Chop Light c. 1890s From the collection of Edward Rowe Snow In 1976, West Chop Light became the last Martha's Vineyard lighthouse to be automated. The original fourth order Fresnel lens remains in place. The Vineyard Environmental Research Institute uses the houses at the station for its offices. The institute, founded by William Marks, is a non-profit group that conducts environmental studies and conducts educational programs. The organization has had much to do with the preservation of Martha's Vineyard's lighthouses.
West Chop Light c. 1910
From the collection of Edward Rowe Snow West Chop Light continues to exhibit its white flash, visible for 15 miles, as an active aid to navigation. It has a red sector to warn mariners away from two dangerous shoals. The grounds are closed to the public, but the lighthouse can be seen from West Chop Road and is also easily viewed from the ferries to and from Vineyard Haven.
© 1999 Coastlore Productions. Do not reproduce any part of this website without permission of the author.
Massachusetts Menu / New England Menu / Back to Contents
