They were established in 1897 and discontinued in 1913 after changes in the entrance channels to the harbor made them obsolete.

[1][2][3] A range to mark the channel into Boston harbor was requested by the Lighthouse Board in 1892; the appropriation was not passed until 1895.

[2] Two identical octagonal towers were constructed, each equipped with a red reflector light.

[3] Originally painted white, they were repainted with a red band in the midsection in 1904.

[3] The confusion was cleared up and the objections withdrawn, and the Spectacle Island range was discontinued in 1913.