Nantucket Shoals Light Station, 1854-1983 (USCG LSA)

Nantucket Shoals, 1854-1983

Location & historical notes: Originally referred to as "Nantucket New South Shoal" from 1854-1896; from 1896 through 1983 it was named "Nantucket Shoals." This station marked the southern extremity of the extensive shoals that make out south and east from Nantucket Island. It served as a primary leading mark for both coastwise and trans-Atlantic traffic. It was located variously at distances from 20 to 50 miles from the nearest land. It was repositioned several times to provide a greater safety margin from shoal areas, and to conform to changed in the international traffic lanes. Nantucket Shoals was one of the most exposed lightship stations in the world and it was the last of the U.S. lightship stations to be discontinued.