Alexander Agassiz
Alexander Agassiz was a marine biologist who made his fortune in mining. He opened a marine laboratory on Castle Hill, where he had built his summer home. When Congress approved $10,000 for a lighthouse and fog signal in 1875, Agassiz refused to sell the land. He eventually sold a parcel of land to the government for $1.
Lighthouse Opening
The lighthouse opened on May 1, 1890, but Agassiz complained about the loud fog bell and it was quieted. Five years later, they tried with a larger fog bell, and he again complained. They compromised in 1898 by building a screen to deflect the sound.
Historic Designation
The Castle Hill Lighthouse, which was built into the face of a cliff and automated in 1957, is 34 feet tall. The lighthouse, now owned by the Coast Guard, is not open to visitors but the grounds are accessible by footpaths.
Recent History
In 1938, a damaging hurricane pushed Castle Hill Cove and nearby beaches together, turning the point into an island. Castle Hill Lighthouse made international headlines in 1989, when a Greek tanker spilled 290,000 gallons of fuel oil nearby.
The Inn at Castle Hill
The famous inn and resort at Castle Hill is often listed on "best hotels" and "best restaurant" listings. The resort, which is on the site of Agassiz' home and laboratory, is now a Relais & Chateaux property. Its golf course is a site for PGA tournaments.
