Point Gammon Lighthouse

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Point Gammon sketch

Point Gammon Light on Great Island (now a peninsula) was established in 1816 to mark the east side of the entrance to Hyannis harbor and the rocks of Bishop and Clerks Ledge. The lighthouse and keeper's house were constructed of local fieldstone. The keeper's residence and tower were connected. The light displayed a fixed white light composed of eleven lanterns with fourteen-inch reflectors. The first keeper, Samuel Peak, was the grandson of John Gilbert Peak, signer of the New Hampshire Declaration of Independence. Samuel Peak served from 1816 to his death in 1824. He was succeeded by his son John, who served until 1858.

Point Gammon was a relatively weak light in an area of heavy traffic. A lightship was stationed at the Bishop and Clerks Ledge. In 1858, the lighthouse was discontinued and replaced with Bishop and Clerks Light. John Peak was transferred to the new lighthouse.

The property was sold into private ownership. The keeper's house was dismantled circa 1935, and the stones used to build a new structure on the island at Uncle Ben's Cove. The lighthouse was used as a summer home in the 1970's. Today Great Island is privately owned with no public access.

Select an image to enlarge

Point Gammon

From the Ferry

Point Gammon and Bishop and Clerks

References (see links)

Lighthouses of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket - Their History and Lore, Clark pp. 39-48
The Lighthouses of New England, Snow pp. 313-315, 323
Massachusetts Lighthouses - A Pictorial Guide, Thompson p. 61
Lighthouses and Life Saving Stations Along the Massachusetts Coast, Claflin p. 83

Thanks to the anonymous photographer who provided a close-up a snapshot of the light while working in the area.

Directions: There is no direct access to the lighthouse. Great Island is private property with restricted access. The light is best viewed by boat. Hyannis-Nantucket ferries pass the light distantly.

The light can be viewed from a greater distance from shore. From State Route 28 in Hyannis - bear south at the rotary which takes you to West Main Street. Turn south on Sea Street, and follow it to the end. Walk east on the beach, and then to the end of the breakwall to see the light.

Thanks to the anonymous photographer who provided a snapshot of the light while working in the area. (NOTE: This person had a reason to be there. In general, the grounds are off-limits. Please respect the rights of the owners.) (January 2007)