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Derby Wharf Light Station, Salem

4.2
#11 of 15 in Historic Sites in Salem
Lighthouse · Hidden Gem · Landmark
Derby Wharf Light Station is a historic lighthouse on Derby Wharf in Salem, Massachusetts that is within the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
It was built in 1871 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The United States Coast Guard Light List description is "White square tower. Maintained by the U.S. Park Service". The actual light is above Mean High Water. Its red light is visible for.
The Light Station was originally built in 1871 and used an oil lamp shining through a Fresnel lens. For many years, Derby Wharf Light had one of only 17 sixth-order Fresnel lenses in the United States. Today, the light is solar powered, and the light is a red flash every six seconds.
To visit Derby Wharf Light Station on your trip to Salem, use our Salem trip planner.
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Derby Wharf Light Station reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
36 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By Karen C
    I always try to visit lighthouses on my travels. Even though it was freezing and windy, I walked all the way to the end to see it. You walk pass the tall ship and get a nice view back towards the...  more »
  • By ajdiaz1
    The Derby Wharf Light Station is a good distance from the street and that's a good thing. After making the walk, you'll be able to catch a seat by the water, look back and appreciate the Salem...  more »
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Google
  • By Christina Vinson
    If you are from a place that is not near the ocean, then you must visit this wharf and lighthouse while you are in Salem. This place really lets you feel what the ocean is all about, without having to be on a boat, and possibly get motion sickness. Its a good long walk, but its nice to think of how many boats and ships must have been tied there at one time. Picture the smell of the tar of the ships, the shouting of the sailors, the seagulls swooping, trying to snatch one of the fish being offloaded. All is quiet now, in comparison. A peaceful walk, on a sunny day, the sea breeze in your face.
  • By Leah Brennan
    The view is absolutely amazing but they should have more stone benches for those to sit and stay awhile.
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