Highland Light

North Truro, Cape Cod, MA

Originally built in 1797 and often referred to as Cape Cod light, Highland Light is the oldest lighthouse on the Cape. Through the years, severe weather conditions and erosion have forced Highland light to be rebuilt and moved, but there’s no doubt about its importance and beauty to sea-faring vessels.

At the time of its initial construction, the lighthouse sat on the highest elevation in North Truro, close to 120 feet above sea level. The first illumination for the light was whale oil, followed by land oil and kerosene. Then in 1932, both the lighthouse and light began to use electricity.

Initially the structure was located some 500 feet from the edge of the bluff. However, in 1990 the building stood just over 100 feet from the edge of the cliff. In 1996, fearing more erosion would threaten the existence of this structure, a combination of federal, state and private funds where raised to move the lighthouse back some 450 feet from its original home. Highland Light stands 66 feet tall and weights close to 430 tons.

Open: May - late October
Hours: 10am - 5:30pm, Seven days a week
Admission: $3 (Children must be 51" tall to climb Highland Light.)
508.487.1121
Truro Historical Society Web Site: www.trurohistorical.org

 

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