Palmer Island Lighthouse MA

Palmer Island Lighthouse MA Limited Edition of 300 pieces Size: 6 1/2" W by 4 1/2" D by 5" T Shipping: September 1, 2017   In the 1800's, New Bedford was the capital of the country's whaling industry. Ship owners and Captains petitioned Congress for the construction of a much needed lighthouse to mark the entrance to their thriving harbor. In 1837, a beacon was built for $2000.00 at the entrance to New Bedford Harbor. Still, it soon became apparent that a lighthouse located on Palmer Island would significantly aid navigation upon entering the harbor. Land was purchased in 1848 on the northern most tip of Palmer Island. A conical rubble stone, 24 foot tall tower with a birdcage style beacon was constructed the following year. In order to address the problem of navigating the entrance to the harbor in dense fog, it was decided in 1900 to build a wood tower up the side of the original stone tower to house a 1,260 pound fog bell. In 1922, Arthur Small became head keeper of Palmer Island. H