Family Tragedy at Cape Poge Light

Cape Poge Light was built in 1802, the second lighthouse on Martha's Vineyard. John Adams, our country's second President, signed the order authorizing a light on the northern tip of Chappaquiddick Island. It was more of a navigation aid to Nantucket mariners than Vineyarders. Even today a keeper and family would find it a remote place in which to live year round. Although it is within easy sight of Edgartown, the shire town of the county, before four-wheel-drive vehicles it could be as much as a full days trip to town and back. And on a frigid day in winter, the lonely walk along the windswept beach could be dangerous.