Cleveland Ledge Light Station
Why it's listed
Cleveland Ledge Light Station rises from a ledge two miles offshore in Buzzards Bay, marking the southern approach to the Cape Cod Canal channel. Built beginning in 1940 at a cost of $250,000, it sits on a concrete caisson filled with rock, in 21 feet of water. A two-story dwelling with a square cross plan sits above a round first level, topped by a 50-foot tower and a traditional cast iron lantern. The 74-foot white structure is Art Moderne in style, with a deck railing reminiscent of a 1930s luxury liner. It was transferred to the government in partially completed condition in September 1941 because of the threat of war, with a temporary light installed, and it survived a violent storm. Automated in 1978, it still operates as an unmanned light. It is notable as the last traditional lighthouse built in Massachusetts and as a well preserved example of caisson construction with distinctive late design features.
Significance in brief: It was the last lighthouse of traditional form erected in Massachusetts and is a well maintained example of caisson construction. Its late date gives it distinctive Art Moderne design features. It retains integrity and is linked to the development of aids to navigation in the state.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 87001462, listed June 15, 1987. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Cape Cod Canal, Bourne |
|---|---|
| County | Barnstable County |
| Listed | June 15, 1987 |
| Reference number | 87001462 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Architectural style | Art Moderne |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Engineering, Transportation, Architecture, Maritime History |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Active and unmanned; automated in 1978 when Coast Guard personnel were removed. The form describes it as well maintained. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.63031, -70.69817 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 87001462.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5132124
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.