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Duxbury Pier (Bug) Light

Plymouth, ma

Built in 1871, this historic spark plug design tower is located on the north side of the main channel leading into Plymouth Harbor.  Known locally as “Bug Light” she marks the dangerous shoals off Saquish Head.

 She is identified by showing two red flashes every five seconds and is painted white on the upper half of the tower and red on the bottom.   She stands thirty-five feet tall and can be seen for a distance of six miles.   A horn is activated for fog conditions!

 Fred Bohm was Keeper of Duxbury Light in the 30’s.  Legend has it that he was instrumental in rescuing some ninety people . . .including thirty-six girl scouts and one very naked fair maiden whose boat capsized near the light.  Keeper Bohm had to dive into the water to save her – she lost her clothes while trying to stay afloat.

 Many years ago, we made anchor in this harbor on the way to Marblehead to join in a sailing regatta.  We motored through the Cape Cod Canal, entering from Buzzard’s Bay and into Cape Cod Bay . . .where we saw the biggest white shark that any of us had ever seen!   The shark was basking in the sun – in very calm water, her periscope like dorsal fin proudly displayed for all to see.  She hardly moved just below the surface.

 We steered right up to this beautiful creature and came alongside!  She measured more than half the length of our boat – which was over thirty-nine feet!  We watched her for a good ten minutes before she swam away and disappeared into the inky water! 

 It was a long time before we swam off the boat again!