Pomham Rocks Lighthouse’s Third Keeper Honored with Marker

Captain Nathaniel Dodge (1844 – 1905) was recently honored this past June 7 with the placement of a United States Lighthouse Service Memorial Marker at his gravesite in the Island Cemetery on Block Island, New Shoreham, RI.An enthusiastic group from Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, located in Riverside, RI, gathered at the site for the dedication, delivered by the organization’s historian and one of its founding members, David Kelleher.

Initiated by Tim Harrison, of the international publication “Lighthouse Digest,” the markers honor the sacrifices made by Lighthouse Keepers of the United States Lighthouse Service. The bronze markers which hold a U.S. flag, recognize the service and dedication of Lighthouse Keepers to the safety of those at sea.

Nathaniel Dodge served as Head Keeper at Pomham Rocks from 1893 – 1898, having served at several other lighthouses including Southeast Light on Block Island where he was First Assistant Keeper from 1874 – 1882. While not much is known about Captain Dodge’s personal life, it is certain from reading his logbook entries that he kept a good light, as his most common statement after his weather report was “lights bright all night!”

After the dedication at Island Cemetery, the FPRL members were treated to a tour given by docent Jim Milner at Southeast Light, followed by a trip to Settler’s Rock to view Block Island’s other iconic lighthouse, North Light.