MAY 29 (Reuters) — The Gay Head Lighthouse in Martha’s Vineyard began a move on Thursday (May 28) off the cliff where it has stood for 160 years – a trip aimed at rescuing it from cliff side erosion.
Workers began by lifting the brick and mortar lighthouse six feet (1.8 meters) off the ground and putting it on a wood and steel frame.
The Massachusetts lighthouse is making the trip inland, traveling along steel beams. It stands 52 feet (16 meters) high, weighs 400 tons and is expected to arrive at its new resting place – a patch of concrete about 130 feet (40 meters) southeast – as early as Saturday.
The lighthouse has stood on the clay and sandstone cliffs since 1856. A beacon has stood on the spot since 1799.
The move is costing $3 million and is being paid for through donations, grants as well as state and federal funding.
