Baker's Island

Baker's Island No information is known about how it got its name, but Baker's Island dates back to at least 1631 when the island was claimed by the newly organized Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its governor, John Winthrop.

In 1678 the town leased the island to John Turner and he built a summer home there. The island stayed in the Turner family until 1770, when it was sold to John Erving of Boston.

In 1877 a portion of the island was purchased by a homeopathic doctor from Salem named Nathan Morse. The doctor built a hotel called the Winne-Egan with 50 guest rooms. Guests could sail, fish, swim, play tennis and play 6 rounds of golf. The popular inn lasted until a fire in 1906 burned it to the ground.

Baker's Island Lighthouses The first lighthouse on Baker's Island was erected in 1791 by members of the Salem Marine Society. A second lighthouse (taller) was erected in 1978. The lights were affectionately called Ma and Pa Baker. The smaller lighthouse was razed in 1916. The remaining light was electrified in 1938 and is partially powered by solar energy.

See Also

• Baker's Island Salem Website