The Minot Light Storm of April 16-17, 1851: The Highest Tide Ever Recorded in Boston

Not every significant storm comes in winter. This particular gale started on April 14th and moved slowly up along the coast of New England. At Boston the ocean inundated the waterfront crossing Washington Street at Waltham Street and covering Harrison Avenue to the depth of 4 feet. There was 3 feet of water at the Custom House, which allowed seaman to tie their rowboats at the steps. It is said the water went all the way to Merchants Row. The tide was 7 feet higher than normal in Dorchester. It was felt to exceed the Great Tide of 1723 in Boston.

Print of the storm from Storms and Shipwrecks of New England, E.R. Snow.

The modern day Minot Lighthouse now has an automated light – this photograph was taken after the 1978 Blizzard.

This was the Boston Custom House in the 19th century before the tower was built in the early 20th century. It was closer to the waterfront before further fill brought in.

Derby Wharf in Salem was destroyed, and Scituate Harbor suffered heavy damage. The Old Colony Railroad lines were washed away in many locations on the South Shore.

This storm will forever be remembered for the loss of Minot’s Lighthouse – a pile driven metal structure driven into the ledges off Cohasset. Both keepers were lost as the structure first bent and then broke off in the multiple high tides and surf during the night of April 16-17th, 1851.