Why 143 ?
Minot's Ledge Light, The 'I Love You' Lighthouse, is perched facing out into the Atlantic Ocean on the exposed Minot's Ledge. The ledge is named after George Minot, an 18th Century Boston Merchant, who lost a valuable ship on the rocks prior to construction of the lighthouse. The ledge is part of the treacherous rocks surrounding Cohasset Harbor where many lobster traps are set.
In 1894, a new flashing lantern was installed in the 34 year-old lighthouse. It had a 1-4-3 sequence and soon after the number sequence was taken to represent 'I Love You' (I /1 flash, Love /4 flashes, You /3 flashes). Over the years, this simple lighthouse code has been a comfort to sailors from the area, their sweethearts and families. The story is now widely known and the code is recognized far and wide. Love for the 143 sequence unifies both friends and strangers.