United States Coast Guard History and Heritage Sites

This is a list of United States Coast Guard historical and heritage sites that are open to the public. This list includes National Historic Landmarks (NHL), the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), cutters, museums, monuments, memorials and more. It includes only NHL Lighthouses. There are many more resources dedicated to lighthouses, this list attempts to collect everything else in one list. The United States Lighthouse Society, Lighthouse Friends and the many Wikipedia pages dedicated lighthouses are a few of the many excellent resources for those interested in lighthouses. This list captures the most important historical features, that is the NHL and the often overlooked U.S. Coast Guard sites.

The Revenue Cutter Service is not as well represented in this list compared to the other constituent agencies; those other agencies had a head start. The service did not even have a proper name for three-quarters of a century until 1863 when Congress voted to name them the "Revenue Cutter Service." The service established its first permanent shore infrastructure around 1900 at Curtis Bay, Maryland and it is still in operation today as the Coast Guard Yard. Revenue cutters operated out of their respective port and were under the operational control of the Collector of Customs of that port. Before Federal Income Tax, customs duties were the primary form of revenue, the customs house was often the hub of activity for the Federal Government in a harbor town. Beyond the customs house and perhaps a pier, it is unlikely that more shoreside infrastructure was required in the early days.

The Sites are mapped in Open Street Map, recommend searching with the name, city, and state.

Atlantic

New England

City State Modern Name or Locale Era Historical Name NHL NHL/NRHP # NHL/NRHP Date Note
Amagansett New York Amagansett U.S. Life-Saving and Coast Guard Station Museum Amagansett Life Saving Station NRHP 100002743 July 27, 2018
Amesbury Massachusetts Lowell's Boat Shop Lowell's Boat Shop Yes 88000706 June 21, 1990
Barnstable Massachusetts US Coast Guard Heritage Museum Barnstable Custom House NRHP 75000239 November 12, 1975
Boston Massachusetts Boston Light Boston Light Yes 66000133 January 29, 1964
Boston Massachusetts Lightship Nantucket LV112 Lightship Nantucket LV112 Yes 89002464 December 20, 1989
Bristol Rhode Island Bristol Oyster Bar Bristol Customshouse and Post Office NRHP 72000015 May 31, 1972
Chatham Massachusetts Chatham Coast Guard Station Chatham Light Station NRHP 87001501 June 15, 1987 Also: Mack Memorial
Cornish New Hampshire The Chase House Inn Salmon P. Chase Birthplace Yes 75000133 May 15, 1975
Fort Hancock New Jersey Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook Lighthouse Yes 66000468 January 29, 1964
Highlands New Jersey Twin Lights State Historic Site Navesink Light Station Yes 06000237 February 17, 2006 Also Spermaceti Cove 1849 Boathouse
Hull Massachusetts Hull Life Saving Museum Point Allerton Lifesaving Station NRHP 81000110 June 11, 1981
Kennebunkport Maine Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library Kennebunkport Custom House NRHP 74000323 January 18, 1974
Lubec Maine West Quoddy Station West Quoddy Lifesaving Station NRHP 90000581 April 20, 1990 Also: West Quoddy Head Light and Coast Guard Trail
Madison Connecticut Lee's Academy Captain Frederick Lee No N/A N/A Also: Defense of the cutter Eagle
Marshfield Massachusetts Coast Guard Hill Recreation Area Communication Station Boston (NMF) No N/A N/A
Monmouth Beach New Jersey Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, NJ Monmouth Beach Life Saving Station No N/A N/A
Montauk New York Montauk Point Lighthouse Montauk Point Lighthouse Yes 69000142 March 2, 2012
Mystic Connecticut Mystic Seaport Museum New Shoreham Life Saving Station No N/A N/A Also: Brant Point Light replica
Nahant Massachusetts Nahant Life Saving Station Nahant Life Saving Station NRHP 12000133 March 20, 2012 Now a special event venue
Nantucket Massachusetts Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum No N/A N/A Replica
Narragansett Rhode Island Coast Guard House Narragansett Pier Life Saving Station NRHP 76000010 June 30, 1976 Restaurant
Nauset Massachusetts Coast Guard Beach Nauset Life Saving Station No N/A N/A Operated by: Cape Cod National Seashore
New Bedford Massachusetts Custom House Square New Bedford Custom House Yes 70000735 December 30, 1970 Part of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The Custom House is still in use as a Federal office building.
New Bedford Massachusetts Coast Guard Park National Lightship Sailors Memorial No N/A N/A
New London Connecticut Custom House Maritime Museum New London Customhouse NRHP 70000706 October 15, 1970 Contains exhibits on the Amistad Affair
New London Connecticut Fort Trumbull State Park Revenue Cutter School of Instruction NRHP 72001333 September 22, 1972
New London Connecticut U.S. Coast Guard Academy U.S. Coast Guard Museum No N/A N/A New museum in planning, see Projects Section below
New Shoreham Rhode Island Southeast Lighthouse Block Island South East Light Yes 97001264 September 25, 1997
New York New York Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House New York Customhouse Yes 72000889 December 8, 1976 Contains the National Museum of the American Indian

Also: Coast Guard Memorial at The Battery

New York New York The Battery Coast Guard Memorial No N/A N/A Also: Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House
New York New York Central Park Alexander Hamilton Monument No N/A N/A
New York New York Harlem Heights Alexander Hamilton Playground No N/A N/A
New York New York National Lighthouse Museum U.S. Lighthouse Depot NRHP 83001785 September 15, 1983
New York New York Pier 25 USCGC Lilac NRHP 04001441 January 7, 2005
New York New York Pier 66 Lightship Frying Pan LV115 NRHP 98001615 January 28, 1999
New York New York Hamilton Grange National Memorial Hamilton Grange Yes 66000097 December 19, 1960 Located in St. Nicolas Park
New York New York South Street Seaport Museum Lightship Ambrose LV87 Yes 84002758 April 11, 1989
Newburyport Massachusetts Custom House Maritime Museum Newburyport Custom House NRHP 71000089 February 25, 1971 Also: Coast Guard Bicentennial Monument and USCGC Evergreen Bell
Orleans Massachusetts Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat CG 36500 CG-36500 NRHP 05000467 May 27, 2005
Provincetown Massachusetts Old Harbor Life Saving Station Old Harbor Life Saving Station NRHP 75000159 August 18, 1975
Rockland Maine Maine Lighthouse Museum Maine Lighthouse Museum No N/A N/A Also: Buoy Park
Rockport Massachusetts Cape Ann Light Station Twin Lights, Thacher's Island Yes 71000355 January 3, 2001
Sag Harbor New York Custom House Sag Harbor Custom House NRHP 73001274 July 20, 1973
Salem Massachusetts Salem Maritime National Historic Site Salem Custom House NRHP 66000048 October 15, 1966 Also: Derby Wharf Light
Salem Massachusetts Winter Island Marine Park Fort Pickering NRHP 73000320 February 8, 1973 Coast Guard Air Station Salem and Winter Island Light are located here but not open to the public
Truro Massachusetts Coast Guard Beach Coast Guard Beach No N/A N/A Operated by: the Town of Truro, Massachusetts
Weehawken New Jersey Hamilton Park Weehawken Dueling Grounds No N/A N/A
Wellfleet Massachusetts The Beachcomber Cahoon's Hollow Life Saving Station No N/A N/A
Westport Massachusetts Horseneck Point Lifesaving Station Horseneck Point Life Saving Station No N/A N/A

Inland Waterways

City State Modern Name or Locale Era Historical Name NHL NHL/NRHP # NHL/NRHP Date Note
Baton Rouge Louisiana USS Kidd Veterans Museum USCGC White Alder Memorial No N/A N/A
Cairo Illinois Old Custom House Cairo Custom House NRHP 73000689 July 24, 1973
Chilo Ohio Chilo Lock 34 Museum USCGC Wakerobin No N/A N/A Outdoor exhibit with only the Steam Engines on display
Clarksville Tennessee Customs House Museum Clarksville Federal Building NRHP 72001246 June 13, 1972
Louisville Kentucky Mayor Andrew Broaddus Life Saving Station#10 Yes 89001446 June 30, 1989
Wheeling West Virginia West Virginia Independence Hall Wheeling Customs House Yes 70000660 June 20, 1988
Winona Minnesota USCGC Winona Monument USCGC Winona No N/A N/A

Mid Atlantic

City State Modern Name or Locale Era Historical Name NHL NHL/NRHP # NHL/NRHP Date Note
Allenhurst New Jersey Borough of Allenhurst, New Jersey Borough of Allenhurst, New Jersey No N/A N/A The town is named for Abner Allen Life Saving Station Keeper
Allenhurst New Jersey Church of St. Andrew by the Sea New Era No N/A N/A Outdoor exhibit with the ship's anchor and plaque displayed on the church grounds.
Annapolis Maryland Thomas Point Shoals Light Station Thomas Point Shoals Light Station Yes 75000864 January 20, 1999
Arlington Virginia Arlington National Cemetery Coast Guard Memorial No N/A N/A Also: USS Serpens Memorial and CDR Elmer F. Stone Gravesite
Baltimore Maryland Lightship Chesapeake LV116 Lightship Chesapeake LV116 Yes 80000349 December 20, 1989 Also: USCGC Taney
Baltimore Maryland USCGC Taney USCGC Taney Yes 88001826 June 7, 1988 Also: Chesapeake Lightship LV116
Rehoboth Beach Delaware Delaware Seashore State Park Indian River Life Saving Station NRHP 76000582 September 29, 1976
Berlin Maryland Assateague Island National Seashore Popes Island Life Saving Station No N/A N/A
Buxton North Carolina Cape Hatteras National Seashore Cape Hatteras Light Station Yes 78000266 August 5, 1998
Duck North Carolina Life Saving Station Caffeys Inlet Lifesaving Station NRHP 78001942 January 30, 1978 Casual dining on Sanderling Resort
Fort Belvoir Virginia National Museum of the United States Army USS Joseph Dickman No N/A N/A Utah Beach landing depicted in the Global War Gallery
Hatteras North Carolina Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum No N/A N/A
Kitty Hawk North Carolina Black Pelican Seafood Company Kitty Hawk Life-Saving Station Boathouse No N/A N/A Ocean Front Dining
Kitty Hawk North Carolina Kitty Hawk Lifesaving Station #7 Kitty Hawk Life-Saving Station NRHP 84000073 November 10, 1984 Beach Cottage
Lewes Delaware Canal Front Park and Marina Lightship WLV 539 Yes 89000006 June 14, 2011 Also: Lewes Life Saving Station
Longport New Jersey Longport Historical Museum Great Egg Coast Guard Station NRHP 05000128 October 31, 2005
Manasquan New Jersey Squan Beach Life Saving Station Squan Beach Life Saving Station#9 NRHP 08000135 March 5, 2008
Manteo North Carolina Collins Park Pea Island Cookhouse No N/A N/A Also: Herbert M. Collins Boathouse and Richard Etheridge statue
Norfolk Virginia Fort Norfolk Fort Norfolk Lighthouse Depot NRHP 76002225 October 29, 1976 Used as lighthouse depot during the mid-20th Century
Ocean City Maryland Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum Ocean City Life Saving Station No N/A N/A
Ocean City New Jersey U.S. Life Saving Station 30 Ocean City Life Saving Station NRHP 13000385 June 14, 2013
Ocracoke North Carolina Ocracoke Preservation Society Ocracoke Village NRHP 90001465 September 28, 1990 Numerous maritime and Coast Guard sites within the Ocracoke Historic District. The former Coast Guard Station is not open to the public.
Portsmouth North Carolina Cape Lookout National Seashore Portsmouth Life Saving Station NRHP 78000267 November 29, 1978
Portsmouth Virginia Lightship Portsmouth Lightship Portsmouth LV101 Yes 89001080 May 5, 1989
Rodanthe North Carolina Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum Chicamacomico Life Saving Station NRHP 76000164 December 12, 1976
Seaside Park New Jersey Coast Guard Station Trail U.S. Life Saving Station Station No. 14 NRHP 78001789 January 30, 1978 A short dune trail in Island Beach State Park near the historic life saving station, however, the station is not open to the public.
Stone Harbor Borough New Jersey Steven C. Ludlum American Legion Post 331 U.S. Life-Saving Station No. 35 NRHP 08000970 October 8, 2008 Museum operated by the American Legion
Virginia Beach Virginia Cape Henry Lighthouse Cape Henry Lighthouse Yes 66000910 January 29, 1964 Located on Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story, however the lighthouse is open accessible to the general public
Virginia Beach Virginia Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum Seatack Life Saving Station NRHP 79003304 July 11, 1979
Washington District of Columbia Treasury Building Treasury Building Yes 71001007 November 11, 1971 Tours available

Southeast

City State Modern Name or Locale Era Historical Name NHL NHL/NRHP # NHL/NRHP Date Note
Key West Florida Key West Museum of Art and History at the Custom House Key West Post Office and Customshouse NRHP 73000587 September 20, 1973 Also: U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Key West Station
Key West Florida The Shops at Mallory Square U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Key West Station NRHP 73000590 October 15, 1973 Also: Key West Post Office and Customshouse
Key West Florida USCGC Ingham USCGC Ingham Yes 92001879 April 27, 1992
Ponce de Leon Inlet Florida Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum Ponce Inlet Light Station Yes 72000355 August 5, 1998
St. Simon's Island Georgia World War II Home Front Museum US Coast Guard Station—St. Simons Island NRHP 98000297 April 1, 1998 Also: Coast Guard/East Beach Park
Stuart Florida House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar NRHP 74000651 May 3, 1974
Sullivan's Island South Carolina US Coast Guard Historic District Sullivan's Island Life Saving Station NRHP 73001703 June 19, 1973 Also: Charleston Light
Tampa Florida Sunshine Skyway Bridge USCGC Blackthorn No N/A N/A Located in the Pinellas County Sunshine Skyway Rest Area

Gulf of Mexico

City State Modern Name or Locale Era Historical Name NHL NHL/NRHP # NHL/NRHP Date Note
Mobile Alabama Cooper Riverside Park U.S. Coast Guard Monument No N/A N/A
Mobile Alabama USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park The Fallen Guardians Monument No N/A N/A Also: Grumman HU-16E Albatross: 2129
Pensacola Florida Artel Gallery US Customs House and Post Office NRHP 97000659 July 22, 1997

Great Lakes

City State Modern Name or Locale Era Historical Name NHL NHL/NRHP # NHL/NRHP Date Note
Ashtabula Ohio Ashtabula Maritime and Surface Transportation Museum Ashtabula Lighthouse Keeper's House No N/A N/A
Ashtabula Ohio Harbor Yak Outfitters Ashtabula Coast Guard Station No No N/A Outdoor Adventure – Canoe and Kayak Rental
Cleveland Ohio Cleveland Coast Guard Station Cleveland Coast Guard Station NRHP 76001390 January 1, 1976 City Park
Douglas Michigan Old School House Museum Francis Metallic Surfboat NRHP 15000156 April 20, 2015
Duluth Minnesota USCGC Sundew USCGC Sundew No N/A N/A
Eagle Harbor Michigan Eagle Harbor Life Saving Museum Eagle Harbor Life Saving Station NRHP 12000306 August 16, 2012
Elberta Michigan Elberta Life Saving Station Frankfort Life Saving Station No N/A N/A Now a special event venue, located on Betsie Lake south of the harbor mouth; also Oliver Art Center
Erie Pennsylvania Erie Art Museum Erie Customs House NRHP 72001122 January 13, 1972
Evanston Illinois Lighthouse Landing Park Grosse Point Light Station Yes 76000707 January 20, 1999
Frankfort Michigan Oliver Art Center Frankfort Life Saving Station No N/A N/A Located on Betsie Lake north of the harbor mouth; also Elberta Life Saving Station
Ferrysburg Michigan Coast Guard Park Coast Guard Park No N/A N/A
Glen Haven Michigan Glen Haven Cannery Boathouse 36 Foot MLB No N/A N/A Unknown Hull Number
Glen Haven Michigan Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum Sleeping Bear Point Life Saving Station NRHP 79000285 April 26, 1979
Grand Haven Michigan Escanaba Park Escanaba Park No N/A N/A
Grand Marais Michigan Lightkeeper's Museum Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge No N/A N/A
Grand Marais Minnesota Cook County History Museum Lightkeeper's House NRHP 78001528 November 28, 1978
Ludington Michigan Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Ludington Coast Guard Station NRHP 10000264 May 17, 2010
Mackinaw City Michigan USCGC Mackinaw USCGC Mackinaw No N/A N/A
Manistee Michigan USCGC Acacia USCGC Acacia No N/A N/A Part of S.S. City of Milwaukee and USCGC Acacia Museum
Marblehead Ohio The Keeper's House Museum Benajah Wolcott House NRHP 91000251 March 14, 1991
Marblehead Ohio Lucien Clemons Park Marblehead Life Saving Station No N/A N/A
Marblehead Ohio Marblehead Lighthouse State Park Marblehead Life Saving Station No N/A N/A Boathouse replica; also: Marblehead Lighthouse
Munising Michigan Pictured Rock National Lakeshore Munising Coast Guard Station No N/A N/A CG-36528
Muskegon Michigan USS Silversides Submarine Museum USCGC McLane No N/A N/A
Northbrooke Illinois Coast Guard Park Coast Guard Park No N/A N/A
Niagara Falls New York Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center Niagara Falls Custom House NRHP 73001227 July 16, 1973
Port Hope Michigan Lighthouse County Park Pointe Aux Barques Life Saving Station No N/A N/A Also: Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse
Port Huron Michigan Huron Lightship Museum Lightship Huron LV103 Yes 76001974 December 20, 1989
Shelldrake Michigan Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum Whitefish Point NRHP 73000947 February 28, 1973 Whitefish Point Lighthouse and Whitefish Point Coast Guard Station are co-located
Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Door County Maritime Museum No N/A N/A Also: Sturgeon Bay Waterfront History Walk
Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin Sawyer Park Sturgeon Bay Waterfront History Walk No N/A N/A Also: Door County Maritime Museum
South Haven Michigan Michigan Maritime Museum CG-36504 No N/A N/A Also: CG-36460 and Pulling Surfboat
Two Harbors Minnesota Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Split Rock Light Station Yes 69000073 June 23, 2011
Washington Wisconsin Plum Island Plum island Life-Saving Station NRHP 10000385 June 24, 2010 Also: Plum Island Light Station

Pacific

California

City State Modern Name or Locale Era Historical Name NHL NHL/NRHP # NHL/NRHP Date Note
Eureka California Coast Guard Plaza Coast Guard Plaza No N/A N/A
Inverness California Point Reyes National Seashore Point Reyes Lifeboat Station Yes 85002756 December 20, 1989
Monterey California Coast Guard Station Monterey Coast Guard Pier No N/A N/A Open to Public
Monterey California Monterey State Historic Park Monterey Custom House Yes 66000217 December 19, 1960
Morro Bay California Morro Bay Maritime Museum CG-30615 No N/A N/A
Oakland California Oakland Ferry Terminal Lightship Relief WLV-605 Yes 89002462 December 20, 1989 Also USS Potomac
Oakland California USS Potomac USCGC Electra Yes 87000068 December 14, 1990 Also Lightship Relief WLV-605
Point Arena California Coast Guard House Historic Inn and Cottages Arena Cove Life Saving Station NRHP 90001363 September 13, 1990
Samoa California Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum CG-36515 No N/A N/A The hull is located at Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay
San Diego California Californian USRC C.W. Lawrence No N/A N/A Replica, in Maritime Museum of San Diego
San Francisco California Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center U.S. Coast Guard Station Fort Point Yes 66000232 June 13, 1962
Shelter Cove California Mal Coombs Park CG-6541 Monument No N/A N/A Also: Cape Mendocino Light

Pacific Northwest

City State Modern Name or Locale Era Historical Name NHL NHL/NRHP # NHL/NRHP Date Notes
Astoria Oregon Custom House Park Astoria Custom House No N/A N/A Replica
Astoria Oregon Columbia River Maritime Museum Lightship Columbia WLV604 Yes 89002463 December 20, 1989
Cle Elum Washington Laurel Hill Cemetery Douglas Munro Memorial No N/A N/A
Garibaldi Oregon Coast Guard Memorial CG-36531 No N/A N/A
Garibaldi Oregon Historic Coast Guard Boathouse U.S. Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay NRHP 93001337 December 10, 1993
Ilwaco Washington Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Cape Disappointment NRHP 75001864 August 15, 1975 Also: Cape Disappointment Light
Newport Oregon U.S. Coast Guard Station Newport CG-36503 No N/A N/A
Ocean Park Washington Klipsan Beach Life Saving Station Vacation Rentals Klipsan Beach Life Saving Station NRHP 79002546 July 5, 1979
Port Orford Oregon Port Orford Heads State Park Port Orford Life Boat Station NRHP 98000606 May 29, 1998 Also: CG-36498
Seattle Washington U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle Coast Guard Museum Northwest No N/A N/A
Seattle Washington Northwest Seaport Lightship Swiftsure WLV83 Yes 75001852 April 11, 1989
Tacoma Washington USCGC Comanche USCGC Comanche No N/A N/A
Westport Washington Westport Maritime Museum U.S. Coast Guard Station Gray's Harbor No N/A N/A Also: CG-30609
Winchester Bay Oregon Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum U.S. Coast Guard Station Umpqua River NRHP 92000662 June 4, 1992 Also: Umpqua River Light

Pacific Islands

No NHL, NRHP or other U.S. Coast Guard heritage sites open and accessible to the public.

Alaska

No NHL, NRHP or other U.S. Coast Guard heritage sites open and accessible to the public.

Projects

U.S. Coast Guard history and heritage under restoration or development. Unknown whether any of these are open to the public.

All Regions

City State Modern Name or Locale Era Historical Name NHL NHL/NRHP # NHL/NRHP Date Notes
Chatham Massachusetts Coast Guard Boathouse Chatham Boathouse No N/A N/A To be located in Stage Harbor at 90 Bridge Street, expected completion in 2023
Kittery Maine Wood Island Life Saving Station Wood Island Life Saving Station No N/A N/A
New London Connecticut The National Coast Guard Museum The National Coast Guard Museum No N/A N/A To be located in Downtown New London, construction set to begin in 2022.
Seattle Washington USCGC Tiburon USCGC Tiburon No N/A N/A
Stockton California USCGC Fir USCGC Fir Yes 92001880 April 27, 1992
Vermillion Michigan Vermilion Life Saving Station Vermilion Life Saving Station No N/A N/A

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