The Bakers Island Light station was originally established in 1791, but only daytime navigational aids were initially placed at the station. Since these guides could not be seen at night, a large number of shipwrecks continued to occur until the Salem Mariners Society petitioned local lighthouse superintendent General Benjamin Lincoln and the U.S. Congress for a proper lighthouse on the island.
In 1796, President George Washington approved the funds for a set of twin lights on Bakers Island. The two lighthouse towers were finally built in 1798. Eventually the original two towers were replaced in 1820 by two newer towers. One of the lighthouses was taller than the other and they were nicknamed “Mr. and Mrs.” or “Ma and Pa.” Both towers were used until the smaller one was deactivated and demolished in 1926.
