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Women Who Kept the Lights: An Illustrated History of Female Lighthouse Keepers
Hundreds of American women have kept the lamps burning in lighthouses since Hannah Thomas tended Gurnet Point Light in Plymouth, Massachusetts, while her husband was away fighting in the War for Independence. Women Who Kept the Lights details the careers of 30 intrepid women who were official keepers of light stations on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific Coasts, on Lake Champlain and the Great Lakes, staying at their posts for periods ranging from a few years to half a century. Most of these women served in the 19th century, when the keeper lit a number of lamps in the tower at dusk, replenished their fuel or replaced them at midnight, and every morning polished the lamps and lanterns to keep their lights shining brightly.
Several of these stalwart women were commended for their courage in remaining at their posts through severe storms and hurricanes. A few went to the rescue of seamen when ships capsized or were wrecked. Their varied stories are brought together here for the first time, drawing a multifaceted picture of a unique profession in our maritime history.
Several of these stalwart women were commended for their courage in remaining at their posts through severe storms and hurricanes. A few went to the rescue of seamen when ships capsized or were wrecked. Their varied stories are brought together here for the first time, drawing a multifaceted picture of a unique profession in our maritime history.
242 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
14 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
About the author
Mary Louise Clifford
30 books7 followersMy first book followed a long, arduous motor trip through Afghanistan, for which I could find very little background material. So I wrote the introductory book that I had needed before the trip began. To my great delight The Land and People of Afghanistan sold well and continously for four decades and went through three editions.
My husband and I lived for long periods of time in Lebanon, Pakistan, Niger, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Malaysia, and Western Samoa. The other four Portraits of the Nations followed: The Land and People of Malaysia, of Sierra Leone, of Liberia, and of the Arabian Peninsula. For the Arabian Peninsula book, I actually spent a month traveling alone across Saudi Arabia. Some of my favorite stories resulted from that trip.
I began writing fiction while we were in Africa because the 1970s was not a good period for criticizing the corrupt governments of that continent. Bisha of Burundi and Salah of Sierra Leone date from that period. I also fictionalized my more recent Indian book, When the Great Canoes Came, because the only source material was written by Englishmen, and you must read between the lines to figure out what they were doing to the local tribes. Lonesome Road, a contemporary young adult novel, builds from the material I collected about today's Virginia Indians as I was writing their history.
My daughter Candace, a lighthouse historian, introduced me to the wonderful world of lighthouses. She does the research, and together we have written and published five books: Women Who Kept the Lights, Twentieth Century Lights, Maine Lighthouses, Mind the Light, Katie, and Lighthouses Short and Tall.
For over 50 years I have been collecting information about my grandfather, the drummer boy of Company C in the Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry Volunteer Regiment. In 2013 I take great satisfaction in finally presenting the story of his Civil War experiences in Drummer Boy of Company C: Coming of Age During the Civil War.
My husband and I lived for long periods of time in Lebanon, Pakistan, Niger, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Malaysia, and Western Samoa. The other four Portraits of the Nations followed: The Land and People of Malaysia, of Sierra Leone, of Liberia, and of the Arabian Peninsula. For the Arabian Peninsula book, I actually spent a month traveling alone across Saudi Arabia. Some of my favorite stories resulted from that trip.
I began writing fiction while we were in Africa because the 1970s was not a good period for criticizing the corrupt governments of that continent. Bisha of Burundi and Salah of Sierra Leone date from that period. I also fictionalized my more recent Indian book, When the Great Canoes Came, because the only source material was written by Englishmen, and you must read between the lines to figure out what they were doing to the local tribes. Lonesome Road, a contemporary young adult novel, builds from the material I collected about today's Virginia Indians as I was writing their history.
My daughter Candace, a lighthouse historian, introduced me to the wonderful world of lighthouses. She does the research, and together we have written and published five books: Women Who Kept the Lights, Twentieth Century Lights, Maine Lighthouses, Mind the Light, Katie, and Lighthouses Short and Tall.
For over 50 years I have been collecting information about my grandfather, the drummer boy of Company C in the Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry Volunteer Regiment. In 2013 I take great satisfaction in finally presenting the story of his Civil War experiences in Drummer Boy of Company C: Coming of Age During the Civil War.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 26, 2012
I will never take a lighthouse for granted again.
From the epilogue, "Although the era of the resident lighthouse keeper has ended, our attachment to lighthouses continues. Landmarks are important to orienting us in our terrain, and lighthouse towers serve as daymarks for those on land and water alike, helping to define our sense of place. ... The symbolism of lighthouses still grips us --- their assurance of security for those in peril on the sea, of a lifeline to safety, of guidance to solid footing on shore."
This book doesn't have a lot of action, which could have made it boring, but the authors' careful attention to detail, the deeply respectful characterization of the meaning of the work made up for it. This plain book was a balm in my overstuffed days.
From the epilogue, "Although the era of the resident lighthouse keeper has ended, our attachment to lighthouses continues. Landmarks are important to orienting us in our terrain, and lighthouse towers serve as daymarks for those on land and water alike, helping to define our sense of place. ... The symbolism of lighthouses still grips us --- their assurance of security for those in peril on the sea, of a lifeline to safety, of guidance to solid footing on shore."
This book doesn't have a lot of action, which could have made it boring, but the authors' careful attention to detail, the deeply respectful characterization of the meaning of the work made up for it. This plain book was a balm in my overstuffed days.
November 19, 2017
Anyone interested in the history of the lighthouse and how it pertained to women would enjoy this read. While it did not provide a personal enough view of these women for me it was still a very enjoyable look at a time in maritime history that I new very little about. There are old photographs in the pages that were most appreciated; but not very many of the actual lighthouse keepers themselves. Some keepers have a more detailed writing while others not quite as much as I would have enjoyed. Some of my most favorite passages in this book are:
Abbie Burgess Grant "I wonder if the care of the lighthouse will follow my soul after it has left this worn out body! If I ever have a gravestone, I would like it in the form of a lighthouse or beacon."
You know the hens were our only companions. Becoming convinced, as the gale increased, that unless they were brought into the house they would be lost, I said to mother: "I must try to save them," She advised me not to attempt it. The thought, however, of parting with them without an effort was not to be endured, so seizing a basket, I ran out a few yards after the rollers had passed and the sea fell off a little, with the water knee deep, to the coop, and rescued all but one.
There are some very nice moments in this read!!
Abbie Burgess Grant "I wonder if the care of the lighthouse will follow my soul after it has left this worn out body! If I ever have a gravestone, I would like it in the form of a lighthouse or beacon."
You know the hens were our only companions. Becoming convinced, as the gale increased, that unless they were brought into the house they would be lost, I said to mother: "I must try to save them," She advised me not to attempt it. The thought, however, of parting with them without an effort was not to be endured, so seizing a basket, I ran out a few yards after the rollers had passed and the sea fell off a little, with the water knee deep, to the coop, and rescued all but one.
There are some very nice moments in this read!!
April 21, 2021
I love lighthouses. I mean, what's not to love? When I was little I could see the lighthouse on Raspberry Island and wanted to be the person who lived there and took care of the place. I didn't even know what kind of work that was, but I wanted to do it (I figured it would give me lots of time to read and play the piano).
This book shows what a difficult and often dangerous job this was in the late 19th and early 20th century. It's fascinating to read about women did this job and were able to support themselves and their families through the work. I really enjoyed the book and wished that the author had included more personal writings from the keepers. The lists and observations were very enlightening.
This book shows what a difficult and often dangerous job this was in the late 19th and early 20th century. It's fascinating to read about women did this job and were able to support themselves and their families through the work. I really enjoyed the book and wished that the author had included more personal writings from the keepers. The lists and observations were very enlightening.
April 14, 2025
A quick and fascinating read. I have always been interested in lighthouses and was happy to find this book full of biographical sketches of women lighthouse keepers including my ancestors Nancy Rose, keeper of the Stony Point light house.
December 24, 2020
priceless nuggets in a sea of dry details
happy to have read it
happy to have read it
February 8, 2025
My husband picked this up at a used book sale because he thought it sounded like my kind of history. And he was absolutely correct. I'm not one of those "lighthouse fans" who scour the shores visiting them, but I've read a few children's stories about living in lighthouses and the adventures associated with that life. I had no idea that so many woman became responsible for "keeping the light", either because their lighthouse-keeper husbands died or because some simply chose that life. It's just amazing to me that women during that time were "allowed" such an important job. The knowledge I have now will stay with me, and I intend to share this book with a friend who will probably find it as fascinating as I did.
April 12, 2021
Women and lighthouses , a curious and special paralells, lifes in the shadows of the great and wild sea, some forgotten but all them great and truly remarkable stories.
Interesting how this activity become a familiar legacy and a money resource that changed lifes of ladies who gained a certain autonomy and independence.
Thinking about all anonymous lifes of women around the world, their importance, work still dont have acknowledgment.
"Up there among the clouds,my father and the other keepers,have to watch,night after night, through storms as well as pleasant weather,through summer and winter, the year round,from sunset to sunrise; so that the poor sailors, may be warned off from danger."
Interesting how this activity become a familiar legacy and a money resource that changed lifes of ladies who gained a certain autonomy and independence.
Thinking about all anonymous lifes of women around the world, their importance, work still dont have acknowledgment.
"Up there among the clouds,my father and the other keepers,have to watch,night after night, through storms as well as pleasant weather,through summer and winter, the year round,from sunset to sunrise; so that the poor sailors, may be warned off from danger."
February 7, 2018
A nice coffee table photo collection, with personal reflections and primary sources, just a cut above the popular "hometown" series by Arcadia Publishing. That is to say, much more text, but the photos, maps and reproduced letters are interesting. An important addition to your women's history collection, and good for the guest room at the beach house.
January 12, 2021
Interesting history of early U.S. lighthouse keepers - rich with background on the lives of these remarkable women, many who worked against formidable odds and who saved many lives.
January 19, 2021
Excellent history long overdue for these unsung heroes.
March 4, 2022
Pretty fascinating. It was grueling work.
July 3, 2024
Really lovely history, with great photos of women and lighthouses. Of course I loved the more in depth look at women but appreciate those we know little to nothing about being included.
August 29, 2025
I liked hearing directly from Kate Moore who tends the lighthouse for her dad who was physically unable after an accident. She slept in boy’s clothes and had a lighted lantern hanging on the headboard and her face turned so she could see the tower light shining on the wall to see if anything happened to it. On windy nights she had to stay in the tower all night to keep the lamps burning.
About 1790, many lighthouses after the war were given to veterans—mates, capable men who were eager for good jobs.
Choices for lighthouse appointments were often political. When a new party came into office, many keepers were replaced with citizens more sympathetic to the party in power.
Only one keeper was appointed per station, with a few exceptions. Some keepers hired an assistant. The routine was to light the lamps at twilight and trim the wicks between 11 and 12. An engineer for the Light House Service said it wasn’t uncommon for a light to disappear between 3 and 4. And that the best keepers were old sailors accustomed to watch at night and more likely to turn out in a driving snow storm and find their way to the lighthouse because they know the value of a light in such weather, while a landsman keeper would likely consider the weather the best excuse to stay in bed.
Once the U.S. Lighthouse Board was created, they restricted keepers to ages 18-50, who can read, write, and keep accounts, able to do requisite manual labor, to pull and sail a boat, and have enough mechanical ability for minor repairs about the premises, and keep them painted, whitewashed, and in order.
Keepers had a 3 month probationary period.
They could be transferred between stations and districts. Young men with some sea experience were preferred as assistants at larger stations, while retired sea captains or mates with families were frequently selected for stations with only 1 keeper.
Keepers were encouraged to cultivate the land and were forbidden to engage in any business that interfered with their presence at the station or with the proper and timely performance of their duties. They weren’t allowed to take in boarders.
Inspectors visited quarterly.
I really admired Catherine Murdock for refusing to leave during a storm and saying “I’m a woman, I know, but if the Lighthouse goes down tonight, I go with it.”
Starting in 1872 the Light-House Board required keepers to keep a journal.
Keepers were allowed to have other jobs, such as fishing or piloting ships into harbor or farming.
Elizabeth Williams was so inspiring the way she took up her husband’s keeping duties after he drowned. Her husband was the keeper and he went out to get help for a schooner in trouble and drowned. She thought of the other lives out there needing help and applied to be keeper and devoted herself to that work.
Kate Walker who was widowed was so inspirational the way she viewed living at the lighthouse. She said it was lonely but she didn’t want to live anywhere else and the solitude taught her that she’s good company and an entertaining companion and there are worse things than loneliness.
I loved the quote from Margaret Norvell: “There isn’t anything unusual in a woman keeping a light in her window to guide men folks home. I just happen to keep a bigger light than most women because I have got to see that so many men get safely home.”
It was so inspiring the way Fannie Salter banged the fog bell for 55 minutes when it stopped working, until this ship had safely crossed the point. She said the light has been her constant companion and whenever it goes out she wakes up immediately.
I really like the # of female lighthouse keepers by decade. It was so cool to see when it was at its height.
About 1790, many lighthouses after the war were given to veterans—mates, capable men who were eager for good jobs.
Choices for lighthouse appointments were often political. When a new party came into office, many keepers were replaced with citizens more sympathetic to the party in power.
Only one keeper was appointed per station, with a few exceptions. Some keepers hired an assistant. The routine was to light the lamps at twilight and trim the wicks between 11 and 12. An engineer for the Light House Service said it wasn’t uncommon for a light to disappear between 3 and 4. And that the best keepers were old sailors accustomed to watch at night and more likely to turn out in a driving snow storm and find their way to the lighthouse because they know the value of a light in such weather, while a landsman keeper would likely consider the weather the best excuse to stay in bed.
Once the U.S. Lighthouse Board was created, they restricted keepers to ages 18-50, who can read, write, and keep accounts, able to do requisite manual labor, to pull and sail a boat, and have enough mechanical ability for minor repairs about the premises, and keep them painted, whitewashed, and in order.
Keepers had a 3 month probationary period.
They could be transferred between stations and districts. Young men with some sea experience were preferred as assistants at larger stations, while retired sea captains or mates with families were frequently selected for stations with only 1 keeper.
Keepers were encouraged to cultivate the land and were forbidden to engage in any business that interfered with their presence at the station or with the proper and timely performance of their duties. They weren’t allowed to take in boarders.
Inspectors visited quarterly.
I really admired Catherine Murdock for refusing to leave during a storm and saying “I’m a woman, I know, but if the Lighthouse goes down tonight, I go with it.”
Starting in 1872 the Light-House Board required keepers to keep a journal.
Keepers were allowed to have other jobs, such as fishing or piloting ships into harbor or farming.
Elizabeth Williams was so inspiring the way she took up her husband’s keeping duties after he drowned. Her husband was the keeper and he went out to get help for a schooner in trouble and drowned. She thought of the other lives out there needing help and applied to be keeper and devoted herself to that work.
Kate Walker who was widowed was so inspirational the way she viewed living at the lighthouse. She said it was lonely but she didn’t want to live anywhere else and the solitude taught her that she’s good company and an entertaining companion and there are worse things than loneliness.
I loved the quote from Margaret Norvell: “There isn’t anything unusual in a woman keeping a light in her window to guide men folks home. I just happen to keep a bigger light than most women because I have got to see that so many men get safely home.”
It was so inspiring the way Fannie Salter banged the fog bell for 55 minutes when it stopped working, until this ship had safely crossed the point. She said the light has been her constant companion and whenever it goes out she wakes up immediately.
I really like the # of female lighthouse keepers by decade. It was so cool to see when it was at its height.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2011
I've been interested in lighthouses from a young age. I think it stems from living in a community most of my life with 2 lighthouses. One that has been decommissioned, but resides in a State Park open M-F to tours, and the second one further down that lights the way home still for those at sea and is also open to tours. What interest me about looking into female lighthouse keepers is a friend of mine built her dream home and turned part of it into a bed and breakfast called the Lightkeeper's Inn Bed & Breakfast. When I asked her how the name originated, she said her grandfather was one of the keepers in the area a long time ago.
I came across this book while stocking shelves as a Library volunteer, and finished it today (two days after beginning to read it). It was really difficult to put down which is why I finished it so fast. I've already recommended it to my mother who's a history buff, and particularly likes learning about women's influence in history, and one of the teller's at my bank who never thought of women working as Lighthouse keepers until I shared a couple of the people I read about in the book, and explained a lot of the women replaced husband's and father's when they died or retired. And some of the women keepers replaced their own mothers!
I came across this book while stocking shelves as a Library volunteer, and finished it today (two days after beginning to read it). It was really difficult to put down which is why I finished it so fast. I've already recommended it to my mother who's a history buff, and particularly likes learning about women's influence in history, and one of the teller's at my bank who never thought of women working as Lighthouse keepers until I shared a couple of the people I read about in the book, and explained a lot of the women replaced husband's and father's when they died or retired. And some of the women keepers replaced their own mothers!
March 29, 2009
I started reading this after a long day of household chores and couldn’t put it down until I had finished it. Afterward I felt guilty complaining about my tasks; I didn’t have to worry about maintaining the lamps, trimming the wicks, winding the weights, scraping the ice and soot from the beacon’s windows and reflectors, listen for ships in peril, prepare for my children’s lessons, update the keepers’ log, assure that the house was immaculate (in case the tender paid a surprise visit) – all in addition to keeping my family fed and clothed (while wearing a 19th century dress and button shoes!). The book is wonderfully written and gives you a glimpse into these strong women’s lives, many who took the lighthouse duties over after losing their lighthouse keeper fathers or husbands, or were specially appointed. The authors also interspersed a timeline to help us understand what was happening in lighthouse technology which eventually phased the women and keepers out. Many of the women maintained their posts for 40 to 50 years without a vacation or in some cases, a day off. Once I put the book down I hit that load of ironing that has been calling out to me.
February 14, 2012
Think you are busy? Just read this and see what so many unheralded women have had to do in the course of keeping lighthouses functioning. It's amazing that we know so little about so many of the women who were lighthouse keepers often for 20 years or more. I was fascinated with the details of their lives and jobs. One woman watched as buildings fell and fires erupted in San Francisco after the earthquake in 1906.
August 8, 2010
Good historical accounting of lighthouse service, highlighting the just over two dozen women who served as keepers. Definite feminist slant but the number of women more than proves there wasn't a prejudice against them being keepers.
June 30, 2013
Very interesting overview, short stories about many women who kept lighthouses, often after being widowed. Have to admit, I might have cried once. Now I need something that goes deeper into the routines and histories.
February 2, 2016
The authors, Candace and Mary Clifford are sisters and Candace was a National Park Service employee who worked with the maritime resources. Her research is excellent and her sisters writing was great. Must read for lighthouse fans.
October 3, 2012
This book provides brief 1-2 page overviews of women lighthouse keepers in the Continental US. A good jumping off point for researchers, but not overly detailed.
September 7, 2013
The women profiled really inspire me, and reminded me to not accept boundaries on my own accomplishments!
January 7, 2015
This is an informative and interesting book about some amazing women
September 24, 2018
A great read, the historical perspective of the women and their strength in keeping the lights shining.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews