[2][3][4] The original station, close to the shore, was built in 1808 with two wooden towers, which were both replaced in 1841.

In 1877, two new towers, made of cast iron rings, replaced those.

Samuel Nye was appointed as the first Keeper of the Chatham Lights by President Jefferson on October 7, 1808.

Today, the former keeper's house is an active U.S. Coast Guard station, and on-duty personnel living quarters.

Search and Rescue, maritime law enforcement, and Homeland Security missions are carried out here.