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New Seawall Being Built To Protect Scituate Lighthouse, Coast


SCITUATE (CBS) -- Since 1811, the Scituate lighthouse has served as a beacon to mariners.

it has protected them from the rocky shoreline.

Now, the lighthouse is getting some protection of its own.

Engineers are rebuilding the seawall there, which was severely damaged during last winter's storms.

They're placing 12-to-15-ton boulders on the site of the old seawall and extending the wall nearly 50 yards toward the water.

"That way, the force of the waves will be dispersed, before it gets to the top of the wall, " says DPW Supervisor Keven Cafferty.

The lighthouse was built in 1810, and lit in 1811.

It's the nation's oldest lighthouse/cottage combination. And to many around here, it is the very essence of Scituate.

"It is the most accessible lighthouse in the country," says Dave Ball of the Scituate Historical Society, "and it played a significant role in the War of 1812."

Rebuilding the seawall will cost about $800,000, and should be done by November.

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