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Mayo Beach Light was established in 1838 at Wellfleet Harbor.
There was some criticism that the light was unnecessary. One
inspector wrote "the harbor is but four miles long...
when vessels get within Billingsgate
light they are as safe as they can be in any part of the harbor...
according to my judgement, (the light) should be entirely suppressed." (Clark, p. 93)
A supporter of the light wrote the light was needed to navigate Wellfleet
Harbor beyond Billingsgate Light,
and "that there are belonging in this port over
one hundred vessels, employed in the casting trade, and fisheries
from 25 to 100 tons - and the imports are of considerable
importance to the maintenance of the inhabitants,
as the country back is sterile and unproductive."
(Clifford, "19th Century Lights", p. 61)
The original structure, a building with the light on the roof,
suffered from the common flaw of the design - the strain of
the heavy lantern room caused the roof to leak. The light
received a Fresnel lens in 1856. In 1881, a new cast-iron tower and
keeper's house replaced the original structure, which was threatened
by erosion. An oil house
was added in 1907. The light was discontinued in 1922, and
the site sold to private ownership in 1923. The tower was
razed in about 1939. The foundation is still visible on the
east side of the building. The residence remains a well-maintained
private residence.
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