This is the spot where Minot’s Light was built – Government Island in Cohasset. Two simple circular templates on land gave rise to a granite tower on a ledge accessible only during calm low tides, a tower that stands 114 feet tall 156 years after construction first began and which has shouldered every blow the ocean has dealt it since it was lit in November of 1860.
Minot’s Light is made of Quincy granite, and its stones were cut and assembled here at Government Island. The blocks were then moved to a vessel which carried them out to Minot’s Ledge to be laid out. Only men who could swim were hired for this dangerous work, and the construction site had its own lifeguard.
Piece by piece the tower rose, taking almost exactly five years to erect.
Standing in its footprints on Government Island really brings home what an immense undertaking the building of Minot’s Light was.
The construction of Minot was and still is an amazing feat. I have stood on that template many times but never realized it’s history. Thanks!