Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Lighthouse Heroine Maria Bray
Last week, the Thatcher and Straitsmouth Islands Association, in collaboration with the US Coast Guard and US Coast Guard Auxiliary, gathered at the Beechbrook Cemetery in Gloucester to commemorate the incredible life of Maria Bray, lighthouse keeper and the namesake of the USCGC Maria Bray.
Maria's heroism in 1864, when she kept the twin lights burning through a fierce storm for three days, was remembered by all in attendance. With the help of her nephew, she carried lantern fuel through snowdrifts
and up 150 steps in each tower to ensure the lights remained a beacon of safety for passing ships. Her Courage is legendary, and it was an honor to lay a wreath and place a US Lighthouse Service grave marker at her final resting place.
