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Explore Lighthouse Beach Overlook Area
Explore the area around the Chatham Lighthouse Overlook with a self-guided tour of the history related to the waters surounding Chatham.
The Lighthouse Beach Overlook is one of Chatham's most popular scenic locations, and history plaques, markers, and the Lighthouse itself tell the story of
the often treacherous waters surrounding Chatham. The Old Village is only a few steps away - it was the center of Chatham during the 1800's when much of
Chatham life was centered around the sea.
Featured Listings
- Chatham LighthouseChatham's iconic landmark
37 Main St., ChathamChatham's iconic landmarkConsidered the iconic landmark of the town, the Chatham Light stands 48 feet tall and 80 feet above sea level overlooking the infamous Chatham Bar. It is one of the few lighthouses in America that still operates 24 hours a day. Everything you want to know about the Lighthouse, the Coast Guard station, and the scenic and historic immediate surrounding area known as the Lighthouse Overlook, is provided in the links below. The Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts tours of the Chatham Lighthouse on Wednesdays fro37 Main St., Chatham - The Pendleton RescueHistoric Plaque
Historic PlaqueThe plaque at the Lighthouse overlook tells the story of the US Coast Guard Pendleton rescue mission. It begins:
One of the most spectacular small boat rescues on the east coast of the Unites States occurred on February 18, 1952. The tanker Pendleton broke in half off the coast of Chatham during a fierce Nor'easter storm. - The Battle of Chatham Harbor
This small monument adjacent to the Lighthouse overlook parking area commemerates Chatham's only action during the Revolutuonary War. It begins:
Chatham's only active hostilities during the Revolutionary War occurred in Chatham Harbor, near this site, on 20 June 1782. - Old Village Historic DistrictNational Register of Historic Places 2001
National Register of Historic Places 2001Established in 2001, the Old Village District protects more than 300 historic properties - approximately 85% of its structures - from demolition and substantial alteration. Residents work cooperatively to protect the oldest section of town. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: The Old Village Historic District is predominantly residential historic district encompassing the old village center of Chatham, Massachusetts. The Old Village occupies the southeast corner of the town where it is framed by Main Stre - Chatham Packet WharfHistoric Site Plaque
Historic Site PlaqueThis plaque located in the Old Village at the bottom of Water Street tells the story of the Old Village as the commercial center of Chatham during the 1800's, including the docks and wharves that served the packet boats carrying cargo and passengers. The plaque also displays an 1858 map of the Old Village and Chatham Harbor. - Mack Monument
The story behind the Mack Monument, located next to the Chatham Lighthouse. The Monument was erected in 1903 by the family of William Henry Mack, the owner of the barge Wadena, in memory of the owner and crew who were lost, and the seven men of Monomoy Life-Saving Station who were drowned trying to rescue them. - History of Chatham LightChatham 300 Historic Site Plaque
Chatham 300 Historic Site PlaqueA plaque located on Main Street at the Chatham Light House tells the story of the History of Chatham Light. It begings:
The waters off Chatham are notoriously dangerous because of the treacherous shoals and currents. The need for lights to warn mariners was recognized in the early days of the country, and in 1806, nine years after the erection of the first lighthouse on Cape Cod in Truro, Congress made its first appropriation for a lighthouse in Chatham, with the actual building being completed in 1808. - The Mayflower StoryChatham 300 Historic Site Plaque
Chatham 300 Historic Site PlaqueA plaque located on Main Street at the parking area of the Lighthouse Beach Overlook tells the story of the Mayflower's encounter with the treacherous Chatham waters. It begings:
A group of Separatists from the Church of England, later named Pilgrims, left England for Holland in 1608 and settled in Leiden in 1609. After staying there for eleven years, the group sailed back to England on the ship Speedwell, where they were joined by more emigrants along with a larger ship, the Mayflower.