Tarpaulin Cove Light
Why it's listed
Tarpaulin Cove Light is a lighthouse on a rise above a boulder and sand beach on the southwestern shore of Naushon Island, the largest of the Elizabeth Islands off the Massachusetts coast. The only surviving element is a white brick cylindrical tower with an entry house, built in 1856 on a concrete foundation at a cost of $10,000. A light was first manned here in 1817 on land ceded by the Commonwealth and later supplemented by a purchase. The keeper's dwelling, built in 1890, deteriorated and was demolished in 1962, though traces of its foundations remain. The tower was remodeled in 1891, and a fourth order Fresnel-type lens was installed in 1967. The light is unmanned and still active. It was listed for its integrity, its link to the growth of navigation aids in Massachusetts, its value as a good mid-nineteenth century example, and its scenic setting overlooking a cove once used as a storm shelter by sailing vessels.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the light keeps integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workmanship and is tied to the development of aids to navigation in Massachusetts. It is a good example of a mid-nineteenth century light and one of few historic structures on Naushon Island. Its position over a scenic cove adds scenic value.
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 87001505, listed June 15, 1987. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Naushon Island, Gosnold |
|---|---|
| County | Dukes County |
| Listed | June 15, 1987 |
| Reference number | 87001505 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Engineering, Transportation, Architecture, Maritime History |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Unmanned and active; the keeper's house and other buildings were demolished in 1962, leaving only the tower. |
| Acreage | 0.1 |
| Coordinates | 41.46865, -70.75735 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
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 87001505.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7686574
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.