Discover lighthouse icons and architectural treasures from Ireland, Europe, the USA, and beyond.
Stage Harbor Light
Nestled along the shores of Chatham, Stage Harbor Light has played a vital role in maritime navigation since it was first illuminated in 1880. Positioned near the entrance to Nantucket Sound, the lighthouse helped vessels safely navigate the region’s shifting sandbars and unpredictable currents. Built to aid mariners approaching one of Cape Cod’s busiest harbors, it was a crucial guide for those navigating these challenging waters.
The lighthouse originally marked a deep-water anchorage known as a staging area for ships waiting for safe conditions to round Monomoy Point and enter the Pollock Rip Channel. This safe harbor, located south of Harding’s Beach, was an essential stopover during periods of heavy fog and low visibility. Though the lighthouse was eventually decommissioned, its legacy endures as a symbol of Cape Cod’s rich maritime history and the ongoing challenges of coastal navigation.