The Borden Flats Lighthouse, off the coast of Fall River, Mass., was deemed “surplus” by the U.S. government and put up for sale at auction. Almost 50 lighthouses have been transferred or sold in recent years, with the most expensive -- Chesapeake Bay’s Baltimore Harbor Light -- going for $260,000. Borden Flats eventually went for $55,000. (Glenn Osmundson / For The Times)
About 450 lighthouses still stand in the United States. Since 1939 they’ve been the Coast Guard’s responsibility, but many have fallen into disrepair. (Glenn Osmundson / For The Times)
The Coast Guard shuttled prospective buyers to the Borden Flats Lighthouse in September. Some see a lighthouse as the ultimate novelty item; others are more interested in the structures’ history. (Glenn Osmundson / For The Times)
The Braga Bridge in Fall River, Mass., is visible through a window of the Borden Flats Lighthouse. (Glenn Osmundson / For The Times)
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Nicole Kimborowicz bid $40,000 for the Borden Flats Lighthouse. To be within arms reach of humanity but experience the world in a whole different way is quite intriguing to me. (Glenn Osmundson / For The Times)
Wayne Keller came from Colorado to see Borden Flats. A lighthouse is a beacon into the night, he said. I like the ocean. I like the solitude. (Glenn Osmundson / For The Times)
Carl Bernier of Swansea, Mass., takes a photo of the view of Fall River from the Borden Flats Lighthouse. He would be doing the rehab work for one of the bidders for the lighthouse. (Glenn Osmundson / For The Times)
Kimborowicz leaves the Borden Flats Lighthouse after her visit. Certainly life is too short not to experience everything you can,” she said of bidding for the lighthouse. (Glenn Osmundson / For The Times)
