The Narrows Light 4

Gazing out at the waters of Boston Harbor, have you ever noticed a small, unassuming steel tower? That, my friends, is The Narrows Light 4. It’s a far cry from the original structure that occupied this spot, a lighthouse affectionately nicknamed “Bug Light.” The Narrows Light 4 marks the entrance to the Narrows Channel. This was once the main shipping route into Boston’s inner harbor, a watery pathway weaving through islands and treacherous sandbars. The original “Bug Light” arose in 1856. Congress allocated $15,000 for its construction. Harrison Loring designed it. The lighthouse earned its nickname due to its peculiar appearance. It was a hexagonal wooden structure perched atop seven iron stilts, resembling a large insect. Its sixth-order Fresnel lens cast a fixed red light, visible for seven nautical miles. A fog bell, attached to the lighthouse, sounded every 20 seconds during periods of low visibility. The Narrows Light witnessed its share of maritime drama. Ships ran aground on the nearby spit. Keepers performed daring rescues. One tale involves two brothers, Arthur and Tom Small, both keepers of the light. During a fierce winter storm in 1923, Tom’s boat capsized. A lifesaving crew from Hull searched tirelessly, but it was Arthur who found his brother, clinging to his overturned boat, mittens frozen to the keel. The original “Bug Light” met a fiery end in June 1929. Keeper Tom Small was removing paint with a blowtorch when a spark ignited the wooden structure. Within minutes, the entire lighthouse was ablaze. Small narrowly escaped with his life. Today, The Narrows Light 4 stands as a more modest successor. This automatic light ensures safe passage for vessels. It’s a reminder of the bygone era of “Bug Light” and its colorful history. So, the next time you glance at this steel tower, remember the stories it represents, the keepers who braved the elements, and the vital role it played in guiding ships into Boston Harbor.