216 THE ISLAND OF NANTUCKET. 



The original structure, which was of wood, was 

 erected in 1784. It was consumed by fire in 1816, 

 when the present edifice of stone was built. The 

 tower is whitewashed, and the lantern painted black. 



Mr. Wm. Allen has held the position of keeper for 

 many years. 



Brant Point Lighthouse. 



This lighthouse is situated at the entrance to the 

 harbor, about one mile from the town. 



Considerable interest attaches to this spot, from the 

 fact that here was erected the first beacon for vessels 

 ever built in the United States. This occurred in 

 1746. (The lighthouse on Little Brewster Island, 

 north side of main outer entrance to Boston Harbor, 

 was established in 1754.) A light was maintained at 

 this place by the town for forty-five years, when in 

 1791 it passed under the control of the general govern- 

 ment. 



Five lighthouses have been built upon this point, 

 three of which were destroyed by fire and one was 

 blown down. The present edifice of brick and stone 

 was erected in 1856. The height of the tower from 

 base to focal plane is forty-two feet, from level of the 

 sea forty-six feet. The light is a fixed red light of the 

 fourth order, and is visible fifteen miles. The facts 

 in regard to Brant Point were kindly furnished by Mr. 

 F. B. Smith, the keeper of the lighthouse. 



From the government list of lighthouses and lighted 

 beacons, kindly loaned by Mr. Hiller, collector of the 

 port, the following items are gleaned in relation to the 

 Cliff lights: — 



