Boars Head Lighthouse

History of the Boars Head Lighthouse

Dennis Kent has provided some history of this lighthouse:

The original light here was built in 1864 with Henry M. Ruggles as its first keeper. He served here for 37 years until his death in 1910. His son, Frank G. Ruggles followed in the family business and tended to the light for 29 years until he too died in 1929. A fog signal was added in 1910 and the light had a 5th order Fresnel Lens from 1922 until 1941. The current tower is still operational and was built in 1957. You can still see the foundation for original tower. The light was de-staffed in 1987. Its height is 35 feet, 60 feet above the water.

Directions: From Tiverton, follow Boars Head Road north to the lighthouse.

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