In 1844 a lighthouse was built on the Gayhead Cliffs of Martha’s Vineyard. For over a century she has helped to keep innumerable vessels away from certain peril, guiding them past Martha’s Vineyard and on to Cape Cod and Buzzard’s Bay, or safely out to sea. Erosion of the cliffs was threatening this great landmark. The end was near, so funds were raised, and the lighthouse saved.
So how do you move 400 tons of 171 year-old brick and mortar, standing hundreds of feet in the air, 129 feet back from the edge of a cliff? “Very carefully” you might answer. The actual move is really an amazing success story. It’s estimated that the move, which was just in the nick of time, will keep the lighthouse safe for 150 years or more. Great story. Great photos:
How to move a Lighthouse - Martha's Vineyard on CBS
The full story - a great read.