By noon we had reached the octagonal white building with black markings and a black lantern standing at the very top of a steep hill, or at least what was considered a steep hill using four wheels in relatively soft earth covered with a beautiful layer of grass. The tower has never been moved and was built in 1925 and Keeper's Quarters were added in 1935. Wheeling around to the side, the door was spotted to the one and half story building, and a very old slate walkway that led down another side of the hill.
This was only one of seventeen stops along the walking tour with signs explaining the battlefield at Stony Point. It was the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River and stood near the southern entrance to the Hudson Highlands.
The fort laid out to contain eight strategic points in every direction, covering Haverstraw Bay and the Hudson River.
The original optic were eight Patent Lamps with 12-inch reflectors, and in 1995 a Fourth Order, Fresnel (Solar) was installed, on loan from the United States Coast Guard and Hudson River Maritime Museum. In 1986, the exterior was restored, light was re lit in 1995, and remains operational as an exhibit, not as an active aid to navigation.
Kingston, New York
After our visit at Stony Point, we drove over to Kingston and met up with member Ric Garren, who was waiting for us at a gift shop located near the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
The steam tug Mathilda built in 1898 was donated by James McAllister and placed in a prominent location of the Museum's yard in 1983 as her permanent resting place.
The vessel's exterior was restored in 1988 and remains an amazing vessel over a hundred years old. Once a major port between New York City and Albany, the Historic Roundout Waterfront at Kingston, was closed by the time we reached Kingston but it did not keep Dennis from capturing a couple of photos.
The Roundout waterfront was once a port containing one of the largest towing companies in the United States and in its day, a thriving port on the Hudson River. Coal was brought from the mountains of Pennsylvania to Roundout by way of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, and then shipped to New York City and other places. Roundout waterfront was also the base for the Cornell Steamboat Company.
Today it remains quite an attraction, and maritime enthusiasts can actually stay overnight on a vessel with prior arrangements. It is unknown at this time whether or not accessibility is available for people who use wheelchairs.
Roundout Creek (Kingston) Lighthouse
(1838; 1915)
Kingston Point, Hudson River Junction of Roundout Creek and Hudson River Dikes
Visited June 27th, 2005
Ric Garren got in his van and we followed him to where he thought the Roundout Creek Light was at Kingston Point, but after a while, both vans were driving in circles and Dennis took the lead with determined insight. By this time, it had become a game between the two of us as to who was going to see a light first and I was beginning to wonder who was the better explorer. Sure enough, he found the light and a very good vantage point from the road for some quick photography.
Sitting on a concrete pier with wood piles, the light yellow, two and a half story square brick building was topped with a black lantern with a height of 48-feet, that replaced a wooden structure that was demolished and replaced in the 1950's.
The original light, a Sixth Order Fresnel was first lit in 1915 and automated in 1954 with apparently a 250 MM optic that remains an active aid to navigation and evidently has a museum. Ownership was transferred from the United States Coast Guard in 2002 to the City of Kingston.
Esopus Meadows Lighthouse (Middle Hudson River)
(1839; 1872; 1965R)
West side, Hudson River, Opposite Esopus
Visited June 27th, 2005
Traveling along the West side of the Hudson River and reading various descriptions of lighthouse locations, led wonderment to exactly what we would be able to see by road and probably a little bit of worry, because most of the sites were suggested to be seen by boat. Nonetheless, we drove along the curving highway and kept finding the lights, only now we had Ric following us, the pace slightly different, but even more eager to locate the lights. True, if we would have been on the opposite side of the river, we most likely would have been able to obtain better photography of some of the lights, but then we would not have met the persons we did. Often, people are met when reaching a location and this particular stop made it possible to meet up with two delightful women as they were getting ready to kayak in the river.
This station was established in 1839, but records indicate the year the light was first lit was in 1872 with a Fifth Order Fresnel. It was then deactivated and automated in 1965, but it is unknown whether or not the lens is actually still working. The United States Coast Guard transferred ownership in 2002 to Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, Inc. and they have plans for restoration. It is not open to the public.
The building is one and a half stories tall with a Victorian Integral architectural design made primarily of wood, and is situated on a granite pier. The house is white with a red mansard roof and the tower is an octagonal on a square house.
(Lorraine, drop us a note when you can.)
Saugerties Lighthouse
(1836; 1869)
West side of Hudson River, North side of entrance to Saugerties Creek
Visited June 27th, 2005
Depending on the weather, the time of year, and of course, Mother Nature, one may run into a major problem called accessibility when traveling using a wheelchair. Having had the opportunity to get stuck in sand, slide across gravel and down hills with slick grass, attempted uphill climbs that were nearly impossible, and jiggle across old wooden slats representing a pier, never had the following sequence of photos been expected. In fact, when speaking with the Keeper of Saugerties Lighthouse, doubt was still prevalent until I saw the photography taken by SFC Dennis Musgraves. In the film footage, one of his remarks was, "This is definitely not accessible." Laughter filled the room as we looked back at the scenario.
Apparently, after sloshing his way through water, heads up gave Dennis his first view of the Saugerties Lighthouse. He did a magnificent orientation of this lighthouse and completed several outstanding series of photography while we visited with the Keeper of the Lighthouse at the main entrance.
We learned the present Keeper was Allen Emerson and this was indeed yet another historic light station owned by Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy with the United States Coast Guard having access to the optic. It was apparently also accessible to the public, but you had to take a boat out there to reach it if the weather did not permit travel along the pathway, after obtaining information for visiting.
The light was first lit in 1869 with a Sixth Order Fresnel as the original optic, and then deactivated from 1954 until 1990 while it was automated. In 1990, a solar powered lens was installed, and today, the light remains operational as an aid to navigation.
The building is made of natural brick with a square shape and black lantern. It is two and a half stories tall with an Italianate architectural style. Not only can this lighthouse be visited, but it is also a museum and bed and breakfast hide-a-way. There is a cistern and boathouse next to the lighthouse.
There is never disappointment when engaged in a lighthouse search because the reality is one simply does not know what they will encounter, and that just makes the search that much more interesting. Add to it, the possibly of meeting interesting people who can provide a variety of information about the beacon that may or may not still shine in the night, or serve as an active aid to navigation.
Often the best part of a search is not obtaining too much information before hand, but rather just enough to provide directions, or at least, point oneself in the right direction. The rest is simply exploring, often having the experience of a lifetime, and one that is not easily forgotten for a variety of reasons.
Unfortunately, sometimes we cannot post all of the ramifications of a search because of various situations we may encounter, but this search was one that provided some very interesting happenings throughout our journey, and Ric's back-up warning on his van was an ever present "beep - beep - beep" ring in our minds whenever having to reposition our vehicles.
Laughing hard enough to make one cry, we moved further North and the search continued while becoming more and more interesting, leading into a few comical moments, and ones that were not so comical. Experiences of running out of film, trying to figure out where to stop to purchase film and in order to eat without loosing sight of Ric, were all just part of the plan. The battle cry was indeed, "Never give up!"
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse (Hudson City)
(1874)
SW end of Middle Ground flats, NW side of Hudson River main Channel, opposite Hudson
Visited June 27th, 2005
The last shot for the day turned out better with a 35mm camera shortly after 6:30 in the early evening. We had finally reached the last of the first series of lighthouses along the Hudson River from the South, and this one was as awesome as the rest dressed in stone and brick on a foundation of granite caisson.
The red bricks and black roof trimmed in white boldly stated a meaning as it stood on the Hudson River several yards away. The architectural of this one and a half story building was interesting with a second empire design.
The original Fifth Order Fresnel is now at the Mystic Seaport Museum, and an automated 300mm optic keeps the light flashing as an aid to navigation. The United States Coast Guard owns and operates this light along with the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Committee, Inc. It is not open to the public.
At days end another hotel was located and wonderment about whatever happened to the idea of camping was no longer in mind.
Crown Point Lighthouse
(1858; 1912; 1926R)
South end of Lake Champlain
Visited June 28th, 2005
Without a doubt, the Crown Point Lighthouse was one of the most interesting lights seen on the search with the grounds paved and completely accessible, it was another favorite. Even so, this was not about accessibility, but rather an opportunity to explore while never knowing exactly what may lay around the next corner, and very dependent on obtaining the educational value of our history that was still available to us. Crown Point had all the ingredients to make this an educational experience for all of us with signs posted throughout the area:
Fortified Windmill 1737: "The battle for control of North America culminated in the French and Indian War which was fought from 1755-1763. After turning back the British and the provincial allies at Carillon in 1758 in what was the largest land battle fought in North America until the Civil War, the French lost Carillon in 1779. Facing certain defeat at the hands of a much larger army the garrison and settlers at Crown Point evacuated to Quebec, destroying Ft. Saint Frederic and the fortified windmill that stood on this point to deny them to the advancing British."
United States Lighthouse Service 1758: "Following the American Revolution, settlers poured into the Champlain Valley to take advantage of its rich farmland, timber, iron ore and water resources. Lake Champlain became a commercial corridor connecting New York to New England and Quebec. Several early ferries ran from Crown Point to various locations in Vermont. In 1858, the United States Lighthouse Service established a lighthouse at Windmill Point on the narrows. This was a 55-foot tall stone structure, the light from which was visible for 16 miles. A stone keepers house was connected to the light tower. The lighthouse operated until 1926 when the property was transferred to the State of New York."
Samuel de Champlain Tricentennial 1909: "In celebration of the tricentennial of the French explorer Samuel de Champlain's (1609) arrival in the Champlain Valley, the lighthouse was reconstructed to its current elaborate form in 1911-1912. The lighthouse incorporatesia bas relief by the eminent sculptor Auguste Rodin, entitled la Belle France, which was a gift of the French government."
Grenadier Redoubt 1760: "The British reoccupied Crown Point in 1778, refortifying the 1760 Grenadier Redoubt as a supply base for General John Burgoyne's campaign to split the colonies by capturing the Champlain and Hudson Valleys. Burgoyne's plan was terminated by the American victory at Saratoga. British forces continued to garrison the site until it was surrendered to the United States in 1784."
And so here it was, a sculptured beauty that would stay impregnated in our minds with a great deal of history. The lighthouse was operational only for a short time, deactivated between 1926 and 1929, after the completion of the Champlain Bridge.
Built in a neoclassical style with eight Doric columns surrounding the cylindrical shaft that was incorporated from the earlier 1858 structure, the building stands 55-feet tall, and had a Fifth Order Fresnel lens that beamed a fixed white light visible for 15-miles. But wait a minute! What is that seen in the tower - Is that a light or an imagination run wild?
This was the second lighthouse providing a truly unexpected pleasure on this search. Direction problems only intrigued the search; lack of history before making the search became an ever present curiosity, and we were eager to see what was ahead of us at the Northern tip of the state.
At only two o'clock in the afternoon, there was still a lot of exploring to do, and several miles to cover before reaching our next destination. While listening to the "beep, beep, beep, beep" sound of Ric's warning system on his van, Dennis looked out the side view mirror and grinned. "I guess he is turning around to follow us," He said.
Barber's Point Lighthouse
(1873; 1931R)
On Bluff, at point SW side of Lake Champlain
Visited June 28th, 2005
We reached Barber's Point Lighthouse at a quarter past three in the afternoon only to discover it was a privately owned residence. No one could be seen outdoors, so we stayed in our vans, took our photography, and quietly left.
From our vantage point, there was a garage to the right, and a walkway leading to the residence that had Keeper's Quarters added in the 1950's. The lighthouse was actually built halfway between Crown Point and Split Rock, (where the lake narrowed), to help guide vessels in the confined channel.
Zooming in with the lens just a little, gave us better perspective of the structure, and the unique style of it being a Second Empire Cottage built in 1873.
Foundation and construction materials were blue limestone and wood, with the building having an octagonal shape, and being two stories tall.
The light is no longer operational and was deactivated in 1935. The original lens were a Fifth Order Fresnel, which may have been automated at one time before being deactivated. The last optic was removed.
Driving away gave wonderment to why someone would purchase a lighthouse that was over a hundred years old and not have it listed on the state inventory. We would soon learn the State of New York had many privately owned lighthouses, some not even part of the National Register as a Historic building and several not listed on the inventory. The reality here is freedom of choice.
Split Rock Lighthouse
(1838; 1867; 1934R)
Privately Owned; West side of Lake Champlain
Attempted Visit June 28th, 2005
Several weeks before making this trip, one of the most desired interests was to see Split Rock Lighthouse. Attempts were made to contact the owner, but messages left were never returned. Now less than an hour away, it was imminent we would attempt the visit. As in the case of Split Rock Lighthouse - Forget it unless you have a boat - And, even if you do, we suggest you stay a good distance away unless you have direct permission from the present owner. The person who owns this lighthouse was not available, despite leaving contact information several times to visit his "vacation property", no calls were returned. Happening upon him was a most embarrassing situation and one thing learned, even if you meet someone who lives adjacent to his property and tells you to stay on the left in order to go up to the light, do not attempt it. The property is posted with "No Trespassing" signs that are enough to scare off the most serious person in search of a lighthouse, and this man is adamant.
This being stated, our story unfolds quite innocently as we located the road to the property and then stopped for an approaching vehicle from the forest. The woman rolled down her window, asked who we were, and we introduced ourselves explaining we were wanting to obtain photography of Split Rock. "Just stay to the left side of the road." She told us, and on we went. Passing more "no trespassing signs" along the way, and wondering if we should turn around. The truth of the matter is there were not any immediate places to turn around once taking the road to the left. We slowly proceeded and hoped someone would come our way, but no one did, so we inched forward.
After finding barely the top of the tower hidden in between trees, three photos were taken, and Ric began backing up his van to turn around. "Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep!" The sharp noise of his reversing threat was enough to alert anyone, and sure enough, after he got his van turned around and heading out of the forest, a Cadillac pulled in front of him and blocked his way. This time, our vehicle was in back of his.
Heated words rang out from an individual demanding to know what we were doing on his property. Dennis jumped out of our van and raised his arms, calmly stating he took full responsibility, as he explained our plight. The owner told us to leave, and moved his vehicle into the brush alongside the passenger side of our van. I rolled down the window and asked Dennis to stop in order that I could also explain to him that I had left a message for him to return a call. The man asked if my area code was the same as another he had and I told him "no". "That's just great!" He said. "Now I've got someone else wanting to come up here. Next time you want to come up, make sure you reach me first."
"There will not be a next time." I promised, as I wondered if the woman called him that we had met near the entrance on our way into the property. The lesson well learned - Stay away from Split Rock Lighthouse. Our sincerest apologies for trespassing.
The year the station was established by the United States Coast Guard was in 1838. In 1867 the first light, a Fourth Order Fresnel began serving as an aid to navigation. It was deactivated and automated in 1928, but replaced by a red steel skeletal tower in the same year on a concrete and steel crib. The United States Coast Guard manages and owns the new tower, and the old tower is privately owned. The facility is not open to the public and is used as a summer residence. Split Rock Lighthouse is not listed on the National Register or on the State Inventory List.
Bluff Point Lighthouse (Valcour Island)
(1874; 1926R)
West end of Valcour Island, South of Plattsburg, Lake Champlain
Visited June 28th, 2005
At nearly 5:30 in the afternoon we spotted Bluff Point across the water from the West bank of Lake Champlain. With camera technology and the apparatus called a "zoom", there was no doubt the lighthouse existed on the hillside opposite from our position. Boldly standing out, the one and a half story building towered over trees and was an amazing sight with her red and white tower situated on an octagonal square house apparently made of blue limestone and wood, with a Second Empire design. Next to her, we could see the red steel skeletal tower evidently on a concrete slab that replaced or was added for navigation in 1930, but then deactivated in 2004.
According to reference material, the tower to the original lighthouse was 35-feet tall and the first optic was a Fifth Order Fresnel, which was deactivated in 1930 and automated. The present optic is a 300 MM installed on November 6th, 2004, after the deactivation of the skeletal tower. Obviously, this is a working light.
Currently the lighthouse is open to the public, owned and managed by New York State and the Clinton County Historical Association. It is presently an active aid to navigation and the state park.
Cumberland Head Lighthouse
(1838; 1868; 1934R)
East entrance to Cumberland harbor, North of Plattsburg, Lake Champlain
Visited June 29th, 2005
Early in the morning, we approached Cumberland Head and nearly had heart attacks when spotting a very large "No Trespassing" sign to a residential area where the lighthouse was located. Ric was opening the side doors of his van, getting ready to roll up the street when Dennis made the decision to walk up the road, and asked Ric to stay put.
Ric had a similar attitude as many people who are active wheelers: "What are they going to do to me?" He asked. "Shoot me or throw me in jail because I want to see the lighthouse?" After several minutes Dennis returned and informed us that he had not only met the owner, but we were invited down to see the lighthouse!
While worried about imposing on him, we found the owner to be very pleasant, his wife charming, and 18-month old daughter delightful. Clearly, the visit was not expected by him, but he was most hospitable and proved once more not everyone who lives in a lighthouse is not social-able given the circumstances of the visit.
This being stated, an interesting and educational morning was spent, but please respect the privacy of residents who live in lighthouses and do not go to one's home when there is a posted sign. It just is not a good idea.
The original two-story building was made of limestone with a conical shape, but has since been renovated and added on to for the enjoyment of the present owners, who keep the property well maintained and are very proud of their home.
We were able to photograph several angles of the building, which boldly faces Cumberland Bay. The visit provided awareness and conversation most pleasant with a couple who enjoy their home and are proud to be homeowners of such an exquisite property, but respecting the privacy of individuals who have purchased property containing lighthouses is an important factor, especially if the property is posted.
A Fourth Order Fresnel was originally installed in the tower in 1868 and was deactivated in 1934. In the same year, there was a red steel skeletal tower constructed on a concrete slap with an Aerobeacon.
Point au Roches Lighthouse
Attempted Visit June 29th, 2005
Point au Roches Lighthouse was also privately owned and trees obstructed any chance of photography, so we began our drive West across the state to Ogdensburg, while feeling as though we were now at least halfway through our search.
The drive was not nearly as long as what we thought it would take and before two o'clock in the afternoon, we had reached the scenic drive along the Seaway Trail next to the Saint Lawrence River. .
Ogdensburg Harbor Lighthouse
(1884; 1900)
Located at the mouth of Oswegatchie River, St. Lawrence River
Visited June 29th, 2005
The first quest was to locate Riverside Avenue and find the park from where we could view the small island containing the light. The challenge of who would see the light first continued, and suddenly the big wheels turned into a small parking area. There, not terribly far from the shore, the lighthouse could clearly be seen with the white and gray tower standing out sharply with her red lantern, even though the day was slightly overcast, and it was not difficult to distinguish the tower was square.
A little research expressed the light was no longer operational and that the tower was 65-feet tall. The one and a half story Keeper's Quarters were attached and made of both stone (1834) and a combination of wood (1870). The Ogdensburg Light was another property privately owned and not open to the public, but the search to be able to see it from a distance was well worth the experience. The only disappointment was to learn the park did not contain an accessible bathroom, but the we were told they were getting ready to build a new building, and seeing an old cannon in the park made imagination run wild.
Crossover Island Light
(1848; 1882; 1958R)
Located on a small island, four miles Northeast of Chippewa Bay, St. Lawrence River
Visited June 29th, 2005
Crossover Island was spotted from River Ledge Road, which looped off of and back to Highway 12 and the Seaway Trial. It was difficult at best to see from the road while still fighting with an overcast sky, but the conical shaped white tower with a red lantern was unmistakable. Originally, there was a Sixth Order Fresnel that was lit in 1882 and deactivated in 1941 in the cast iron and brick wood-lined tower.
The Keeper's Quarters were separate from the tower, constructed in 1882 with a one and a half story Queen Anne wood frame building. On this same island, there is a boathouse, storage shed, smokehouse, barn, oil house and a dock for the private owner. In 1941 the light was replaced with an offshore skeletal buoy.
Sunken Rock Light
(1847; 1884)
Located 0.5 miles North of Alexandria Bay, St. Lawrence River
Visited June 30th, 2005
Spending the night in Alexandria Bay allowed insight and the opportunity to meet an extraordinary couple. Alexandria Bay is a small village with wonderful shops and throngs of people who enjoy the waterfront late into the night during the summer. A legend of Sunken Rock Light is about a man who committed a crime and was sentenced to live on Sunken Rock until his death.
While the new day offered bright sun, wheels hit the pavement for a short spin around the corner from the hotel, with speed kicking up while heading for the dock. Here, with just a little luck, a good photo of the light could be captured, but it seemed the only thing in mind was, "Sitting on the Dock at the Bay, wasting my time away".
Sunken Rock Light was first lit in 1884 with a Sixth Order Fresnel inside of the conical shaped white tower with the green lantern. It still operates today, after the light was converted to solar power in 1988, blinking green. Built on a reef with a stone foundation, she continues to serve as a private aid to navigation and is (yes) privately owned.
East Charity Shoal
(1877; 1935)
Located 6 miles Southwest of entrance to St. Lawrence River on the Southeast Side of Charity Shoals Group
Visited June 30th, 2005
From a platform near the water's edge of Tibbets Point Light, Dennis spied East Charity Shoal Light across the water and using the zoom on a 33mm camera, captured the photo on the left. (If you squint, you will see the light dead center in the photo.) The light is located North of Galloo Island and West of Tibbets Point.
Built on a concrete foundation, the cast iron octagonal white tower has a black lantern that is sill operational. It was first lit in 1877, moved in 1929, and had a Fifth Order Fresnel installed in 1935, which was apparently automated in 1992. The tower is only 16-feet tall and it is an active aid to navigation, owned by the United States Coast Guard and not open to the public.
The tower originally served Vermilion Station from 1877 until 1929, and was moved after being damaged in an ice storm to its present location.
Cape Vincent Breakwater
(1900)
Relocated near town office at Cape Vincent, Northeast side of Lake Ontario
Visited June 30th, 2005
In every search, there has to be at least one oddity besides not being able to reach a light, but what was not known was there would be several. It is very possible this particular light was a rare occurrence and certainly not expected to be found along Stone Quarry Road, away from any water in sight. Marked with a plaque on the building that reads, "This Lighthouse was located on the Cape Vincent Breakwater from 1900 to 1951 when it was moved to it's present location and now serves as a proud landmark for this approach to the village". Indeed, the tower contained a door on the opposite side of the building, and was in a very picturesque setting.
Tibbets Point Light
(1827; 1854)
Located 2.5 miles West of Cape Vincent, St. Lawrence River
Visited June 30th, 2005
From the intersection of Market Street in Cape Vincent off of the Seaway Trial, we headed West on Broadway for about two and a half miles and pulled into the parking area for Tibbets Point Light. Here we found all of the accessible features dreamed about, but everything closed up tighter than a drum. The fault belonged to no others except ourselves because it is open to the public, but arrangements do have to be made. Nonetheless, three of us explored and explored, while wondering around the grounds. Wheeling up the accessible ramp was a little interesting and appeared there had not been anyone there in a long time.
The tower was actually not attached to the Keeper's Quarters, but rather stood by herself with her conical shape boldly showing off her pureness in white and the black tower still containing an operational Fourth Order Fresnel originally installed in 1854 but automated in 1981. Immediately next to her stood the brick sound signal building which contained an electric, diesel air, original steam diaphone.
In 1907 Duplex Keepers Quarters contained a radio beacon, iron oil house, and garage. And in 1994, this structure became a visitor center and museum. The property is now owned and managed by the town of Tibbetts Point, Lease Keepers to American Youth Hostels, and the tower and museum to Tibbetts Point Lighthouse Historical Society. Tibbets Point Light is listed on the National Register (U.S. Coast Guard/Great Lakes).
It would have been quite easy to spend the remainder of the day there, and we nearly did.
Stony Point Lighthouse (Henderson)
(1830; 1869; 1959R)
Located 6-miles East of Henderson Harbor at the East end of Lake Ontario
Visited July 1st, 2005
After we had long past this area, the following day, we realized we had missed Stony Point Lighthouse and decided to make the drive back from the Rochester area. In order to prevent confusion, the search placed on this web page is being uploaded in the order of which these lights can be seen by traveling from the Northwest side of the state to the Southwest corner. While it meant doubling back, spending more time driving than anticipated, being able to see both Stony Point Lighthouses in the State of New York, will never be regretted, but true to many of the lights in the State of New York, this one was also privately owned.
It was the fourth of July weekend and residents were outside preparing for a picnic when we approached the lighthouse. A sign posted in the front yard warned of trespassing and we remained in the van while taking several photos. The photo above was the best one of the group.
The original tower is made of brick painted white with a black lantern and shaped in a square with a height of 73-feet. The original optic was a Fourth Order Fresnel first lit in 1869, deactivated in 1945, and automated in 1950. A modern steel skeletal tower was constructed in 1945, and is owned by the United States Coast Guard, but we did not attempt to locate it.
The Keepers Quarters are also made of brick, painted white, built in 1869 with one and a half stories. The architectural style is listed as being modified, which is pretty obvious facing the structure. Other structures on this property contain three storage buildings and the foundation of the 1830 tower.
Selkirk (Salmon River) Lighthouse
(1838)
Northside of mouth of Salmon River, Lake Ontario
Visited June 30th, 2005
Barely a mile off of Lake Road, we entered the parking area for Lighthouse Marina as we turned the corner next to the Selkirk Lighthouse, without even realizing we were there until looking back at the building on the corner that had a wood, boldly red colored octagonal tower and silver lantern on the Fieldstone house.
The original optic were 8 lamps with 14-inch reflectors installed in 1838, then deactivated in 1859. In 1989 the light was automated with a 190 MM lens and serves as a private aid to navigation. Obviously, the two and a half story tall Fieldstone Keepers Quarters are integral to the tower.
While this lighthouse and surrounding grounds are privately owned, the lighthouse is open to the public and serves as a guest house. It is listed in the National Register as Selkirk Lighthouse and is on the State Inventory List. The property contains one of very few remaining old-style lanterns operated as a private aid from 1858 to 1990. The station also operated as a lifesaving station from 1877 to 1895, and 99-years, was relit as a private aid in 1989.
The best news is that the property was/is for sale and contained a gift house, bed and breakfast quarters, and a beautiful marina in a cove with several piers just a few yards away. Though the price was a little higher than what any of us could afford, regretfully, insufficient photos were taken because we spent too much time in the gift shop.
Oswego Harbor West Pierhead Light
(1822; 1834)
Located at the end of pierhead, South side of Harbor, Lake Ontario
Visited June 30th, 2005
Memory barely recalls finding the H. Lee White Marine Museum property near the Seaway Trial to view the harbor light that was first lit in 1934 with a Fourth Order Fresnel. In 1968, it was automated, and in 1995 a VRB-25 Optic was installed. The original Fourth Order Fresnel Lens is inside the H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego, but the building was closed.
History of the original tower includes that it was severally damaged and torn down, then replaced in 1836 with an octagonal grey stone tower and attached oil house. This building was also damaged and torn down in 1930. New foundation materials for the lighthouse used in 1934 were concrete, built on a rubble crib situated at the end of a pier jutting out into the harbor. The 1936 one-story square building is made of steel and cast iron, and is white with red trim, containing Keepers Quarters. Apparently, the Keepers Quarters build in 1822 and a radio beacon are also on this property. The lighthouse is owned by the United States Coast Guard, is an active aid to navigation, and is not open to the public. She is listed on the National Register.
Sodus Point Lighthouse
(1825; 1871)
Located 0.6 miles West of Sodus Bay entrance on a bluff, Lake Ontario
Visited June 30th, 2005
Arriving shortly after 5 o'clock in the afternoon, the museum was closed, but that did not prevent us from exploring the area and capturing both the "big" lighthouse and the Outer Light. The sign below the bell in front of the lighthouse proudly establishes, "Big Sodus Light, built in 1870, replaced the first lighthouse on this site built in 1825. This light in service 1871-1901 now a maritime museum."
The history behind Sodus Point Light becomes even more interesting when learning the first tower built in 1825 was made of rubblestone, both house and tower were removed in 1871 and the material from them were used to construct the 70-foot jetty that now houses the Sodus Outer Light (1934; 1901) at the North end of the West pier entrance to Great Sodus Bay. This modern tower was built in 1939. It is a square pyramidal cast iron tower built on a concrete and stone pier. The tower is white with red trim and has existing Keepers Quarters. The pier light is in Wayne County Park.
The existing tower of the Big Sodus Light is 45-feet tall, first lit in 1871 with a Sixth Order optic, and deactivated in 1901. The light was replaced in 1985 with a third and a half order lens installed and the dwelling was used for Coast Guard Housing until 1984. Now the property is owned and managed by the Town of Sodus Point Lease to Sodus Bay Historical Society. The museum contains the 3 1/2 Order Lens and is open to the public and listed on the National Register.
Charlotte-Genesee Light (Port of Genesee)
(1822; 1863)
Genesee River, near Rochester, Lake Ontario
Visited June 30th, 2005
When William Hincher died in 1822, his widow sold 3.25 acres of their land to the government for $400 for the government to build a lighthouse on the property as an aid to navigation guiding ships into the Port of Rochester. The tower was actually built on the edge to the property, close to the lake, in what was then known as the village of Charlotte. The tower was made of stone, 40-feet tall, and lit by ten Argand lamps fueled with whale oil.
To prevent sandbars formatting making entry into the river very difficult, piers began being built in 1829, but over time, sand built up along the piers and began filling the river, moving the tower further from the lake.
A new tower was built at the end of the pier in 1838, but was blown down by wind. Finally a cast-iron tower built in 1880 was moved from Cleveland after it was removed from service there.
In 1931 the pier light was replaced and in 1995, the current cylindrical white and red tower became operable, and today remains at the end of the pier, known as the Rochester Harbor Light. Unfortunately, we did not venture out to see it.
The Lighthouse Service continued to use the Keepers Quarters until 1940, when the United States Coast Guard assumed control, and the house became the official quarters of the Station Commander.
Students of Charlotte High School "saved the light" in 1965, with letters to the government when hearing rumors it would be torn down. In 1981, the lighthouse was declared surplus and turned over to the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society. Students from Edison Tech High School built a new lantern room made of wood on top of the tower, and the United States Coast Guard loaned them a Fourth Order Fresnel from the Cleveland, Ohio Lighthouse. The tower was relit in June 1984.
The Keepers Quarters and a garage are now a museum and gift shop, but true to our tardiness, were closed by the time we reached this destination.
Braddock Point Light
(1896; 1954R)
Located on Bogus Point, 20-miles Northwest of Rochester, Lake Ontario
Visited July 1st, 2005
Early in the morning we began our search for lighthouses in the area. Ric Garren had returned to his home in Rochester, New York the night before, and now we were traveling "solo" while continuing to meet with members and new found friends along the way.
Baddock Point Light was first on our list, but like many others, it was found to be privately owned and worse, a construction crew was doing some work on the property. Nonetheless, Dennis offered to jump out of the van and walk the distance to the residence, asking permission to enter the property for the sake of including the following photos on this site. The owners agreed and another extremely interesting lighthouse unfolded as the camera quickly worked.
This light was first lit in 1896 with a Third and Half Order Fresnel, deactivated in 1954. The lantern and lens were from the Cleveland Light, which was torn down in 1895, and the upper two-thirds of the tower were removed by the United States Coast Guard in 1954 because of structural damage. The owners of this property restored the remaining and existing portion of the tower, and apparently there is an automated light.
The historical tower was an octagonal with faux lantern, 110-feet tall and made of brick. In 1954, the modern tower was made of steel with red markings and currently has a black lantern.
The original brick Keepers Quarters built in 1896 as a 2 1/2 story Victorian home now serves as a residence for the owners of the property. There is a carriage house on the property, and the owners added a double care garage.
The tower of the light stands snuggled between, and to the rear of the garage and Keepers Quarters, on a beautiful well cared for property several yards from the roadway. On the front of the low brick wall near the entrance of the property, there is a sign the owners placed there. "Braddock Point Lighthouse - Est. 1886"
Lighthouse owners are a very special breed of persons, who undoubtedly have different reasons for wanting to live on a historic property containing a lighthouse. We sincerely thank these owners for allowing us to enter their property, permit the construction crew to hold up their work, as we quickly captured these photos to include in our search for lighthouses in the State of New York. Then we realized we had to back track in order to capture Stony Point (Henderson) Lighthouse.
Following mass confusion throughout the remainder of the afternoon, missing a scheduled fishing trip for Dennis, several other appointments in the same area, and an emergency telephone call from the home front, we finally settled in at one of the most enjoyable facilities in Geneva, right on the Geneva Lakefront. "All in a Day's Drive" was a motto that continued to ring out loud and clear as this gorgeous Ramada Inn hosted our stay with a fully accessible room unbelievably accessible and enjoying a delightful dinner outside while the sun began to set.
The staff friendly and courteous, as well as other travelers, someone offered to take our photo together. Looking haggard and worn, son Dennis was beginning to show his age, but his fishing trip was by then rescheduled for the following day, so he was pleased as well.
Unfortunately, his fishing trip the next morning did not produce the catch he had hoped for, and it was in the afternoon when he exclaimed, "As soon as I can, I'm heading for Canada and the Atlantic Salmon I need to catch".
Chuckles from within were quenched while thinking about the camping gear still left untouched, as we headed further Southwest for Thirty Mile Point and Niagara Falls that afternoon, while also worrying about the emergency and the potential of having to cut the trip short.
Thirty Mile Point Light
(1875; 1959R)
Located on the point of Oak Orchard within Golden Hill State Park, Lake Ontario
Visited July 2nd, 2005
Patience was the key while waiting for dozens of visitors to descend from the top of the tower in order to obtain a clear view of the lantern. A Third Order Fresnel was the original optic first lit in 1876 in this beautiful black and red lantern. It was automated in 1959, then deactivated until 1998.
The historic tower is built on a limestone block foundation with limestone construction materials. The markings are natural with white and her shape is square.
A skeletal tower was constructed in 1959 with a tower height of 62-feet, but was apparently deactivated. The original tower underwent restoration and is listed as an operating private aid to navigation.
The Sound Signal building was constructed in 1935 with yellow bricks in a modern style and remains on the property, but the fog horn has been removed. Other structures include a barn, two oil houses, a pump house, privy, workshop shed, and a cement dock.
The Keepers Quarters were constructed in 1875 out of limestone, and the two-story building is attached to the tower.
The lighthouse and property is owned and managed by the State of New York and Niagara Frontier Region. It is open to the public and listed in the National Register since 1984 as "Thirty Mile Point Light (U.S. Coast Guard/Great Lakes TR).
Golden Hill State Park proved to be a wonderful experience while wheeling down the road, visiting with persons camping and seeing families enjoying picnics along the opposite side of the road from the lighthouse.
When finally turning around to head back to where Dennis was, a stop had to be made to capture the scene next to Lake Ontario, which was then on the left. A very large Oak tree hid the lighthouse, but a newer building and a tower were clearly in range as well as another building on the right.
Oak Orchard within the Golden State Park was without a doubt another relaxing facility with numerous benefits for persons of all ages. Picnic tables, camping facilities, and many other amenities were at this location, but best of all was the remarkable lighthouse giving greater insight to preserving our historic monuments.
Fort Niagara Light
(1782; 1872)
Located on the East Bank of Niagara River, South of Old Fort Niagara, Lake Ontario
Visited July 2nd, 2005
The first light began serving as a aid to navigation with a Fourth Order Fresnel Optic with the lens installed in 1859. In 1872 it was replaced with another Fourth Order Fresnel and deactivated in 1993.
The Fort Niagara Light is part of Old Fort Niagara national Historic Landmark and the first of two towers built on the fort.
This tower was replaced by a modern beacon in order to save the trees that were obstructing the lantern in 1993, with a third (current) tower constructed south of the fort. However, research describes a tower built in 1823 with a Lamp on the Mess House.
Keepers Quarters were built in 1897 with a two-story wooden Queen Anne style home. The property also contains an iron plate oil house built between 1900 and 1905.
The brick work and delicate cemetrical design of the windows surrounding the top of the tower is remarkable, to say nothing of the straight pattern of windows above the curved door on the front of the tower, or the intricate design of brick work making coves circling near the top of the tower.
Now a museum opened to the public, it was licensed to Old Fort Niagara Association by the United States Coast Guard, and is listed in the National Register.
Without a doubt, Fort Niagara was one of the busiest places to be on the Fourth of July weekend. Vehicles filled the parking area and people were everywhere as the reenactment of the French and Indian war during the 1700's unfolded with characters portraying the early settlers in garb to match.
Parking was at a premium and photography nearly impossible, while scooting in between vehicles on the pavement, realizing height much lower than rearview windows, Dennis oversaw "safety first" the entire time we were there. There is nothing worse than a "crazy" photographer, except for a "dump" photographer, and unfortunately due to the throngs of people enjoying this magnificent structure, surrounding area, and the history of the Revolutionary War, it was time to head-out.
Our next stop would be at Niagara Falls for the remainder of the day and two evenings, but we are not ready (just yet) to share that experience because we don't want to take away from the Lighthouse Search, which is first and foremost on this web page, and the goal of seeing as many lighthouses in the State of New York with the exception of Long Island.
Grand Island Light
(1917)
Located on an island and grounds of a private marina, Northwest of Buffalo, on the Niagara River
Visited July 3rd, 2005
Forewarned the Buffalo Launch Club was a private boat launch "for members only", we decided to check it out anyway and take our chances as "visitors". From the small parking lot of the marina, we were able to capture this extraordinary photo of the light while remaining in the van.
Unfortunately, no information could be located regarding the light except to learn the site actually contained a pair of range lights, this wooden octagonal front range light and a skeleton rear range light. The Grand Island Light is no longer in service, but is a beautiful remainder of historic preservation. It would be interesting to know exactly what type of optic was used during the years of operation.
The Buffalo Lights
Since 1818, several lights have marked the entrance to Buffalo Harbor, including a lightship. At the United States Coast Guard Station Buffalo, Serving Aids to Navigation in Buffalo, we pulled up to the gated entry next to the intercom and identified ourselves. After producing identification for the camera to view inside of their security building, the gates began to open. Once inside, the gates closed, and we drove to a parking area near the Buffalo Main Light. Here is what we found near our vantage point at the Buffalo Main Light.
Buffalo Main Light
(1818; 1833)
Located at the mouth of Buffalo River, Lake Erie>
Visited July 3rd, 2005
On stone molehead, cast iron and natural limestone provided a octagonal shaped tower for the most extraordinary light towers in 1833, replacing a conical 30-foot tower built in 1818 that was demolished in the 1840's. The tower height of the present structure is 61-feet.
The light was first lit in 1833 inside the black lantern, then a Third Order Fresnel was installed in 1857, later provided to the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society Museum.
Buffalo Main Light is one of the oldest existing towers that welcomed immigrants to the Nation's Heartland, known locally as "Chinaman's Light", which was restored in 1985.
Next to the Buffalo Main Light is one of two Bottle lights that were in operation until 1985. The two Buffalo Bottle Lights were installed at the ends of additional breakwaters to help serve as navigational aids. One of them were moved to the Dunkirk Lighthouse and Museum Grounds, and the other white cast-iron tower remains close to the Buffalo Main Light.
In the 1960's, protestors saved the light from being demolished, and in 1985, the Buffalo Lighthouse Association was formed to work to restore the light, and installing a new Fresnel lens. It is consequently a working light today, but only for special occasions. Buffalo Main is the oldest building in Buffalo still standing on its original site along eh Seaway Trail.
Buffalo Intake Crib & Horseshoe Reef Light
(1856 and 1920 Respectfully)
East of Buffalo, Lake Erie>
Visited July 3rd, 2005
Buffalo Intake Crib (left) was actually constructed after the Horseshoe Reef Light in 1920, as a water intake with a light.
Horseshoe Reef Light is to the right of Buffalo Intake Crib in the photo above, 1.5 miles East of Buffalo in Lake Erie, built in 1856. It marked a dangerous point outside of Buffalo Harbor and the light was actually in Canadian waters, requiring co-operation from the American, Canadian, and British Governments to build. Following the construction of the Buffalo Intake Crib Light, Horseshoe Reef Light was abandoned, and the site is now in ruins.
Buffalo Breakwater Light
(1961)
Located at end of outer detached breakwater in Buffalo Harbor, Lake Erie>
Visited July 3rd, 2005
Further away from the Buffalo Main Light, in 1872 Buffalo Breakwater Light was built at the end of a 4,000-foot breakwater in the harbor. The tower contained a Forth Order Fresnel lens, but became a target for ships ramming it several times. In 1914, the Breakwater light was rebuilt.
Buffalo Harbor South Light
(1903; 1992R)
South side of main South entrance to Stony Point Harbor, Lake Erie>
Visited July 3rd, 2005
The Buffalo Harbor South Light was built in 1903, automated in 1935, and retired in 1992. While this structure was quite a distance away from the Buffalo Main light, we were impressed by being able to see all of these towers from our vantage point at the United States Coast Guard Station Buffalo.
Dunkirk (Point Gratiot) Light
(1827; 1875)
Located at Point Gratiot, West of the entrance to Dunkirk Harbor, Lake Erie
Visited July 3rd, 2005
With only two remaining lighthouses we had not seen along the Seaway Trail in New York, we decided to continue our search. Disappointment in finding yet another site closed worsened as we realized a chain link fence would also obstruct our view. Dennis grabbed a couple of cameras, got out of the van, and walked up to the fence at 3:30 in the afternoon.
The property was immense with several artifacts, canons, flag poles, and many things of interest including a cistern, garage, storage building, barn, oil house (1875) bandstand, steel lifesaving boat (1926), a 45-foot lighthouse buoy tender, and apparently a 50-foot tower from Dunkirk Harbor (1939), and a 21-foot Tower from Grand Island, New York (1929).
The chain link fence was not the only problem though, enormous trees kept photography at a minimum, but his perseverance conquered all obstacles even though it took a few hits to finally locate a good position to place the lens in-between the wires of the fence.
The light was an active aid to navigation and contained a museum evidently located in the two-story High Victorian Gothic red brick Keepers Quarters. The property was owned by the United States Coast Guard and leased to Dunkirk Lighthouse and Veterans Park Museum, open to the public. It is also listed on the National Register.
Dressed stone provided foundation materials and rubblestone encased in brick provided the 61-foot tower which had the upper two-thirds in white and the lower section natural brick. A red lantern originally housed a Third Order Fresnel installed in 1857.
The original lens is still in operation.
At the gate of the entrance to Dunkirk Light and Museum, there is a sign posted with operating hours excluding Wednesday and Sunday. Our visit to this facility was unfortunately on a Sunday and consequently, it was closed.
There were a couple of very important lessons learned during the search for lighthouses in New York: First, make certain you check the Inventory of Historic Light Stations on the Internet before planning your trip. Once you enter the state you are searching, you can review information and will learn exactly whether or not the lights are open to the public by simply clicking on a link provided for access about Lighthouses to Visit.
The second thing learned was to plan out your search accordingly and do not second guess anything.
Below the hill of Dunkirk there is a small cove that contains a cylinder light at the point of the cove, apparently providing a new unobstructed aid for navigation. Information on this light could not be located, but obviously it does exist, and we suspect it is a fairly new marker, which was first spotted by Dennis, who had now become an enthusiastic searcher!
Barcelona (Portland Harbor) Light
(1829)
Overlooking Portland Harbor from a bluff, (10-Miles Northeast of Pennsylvania Border), Lake Erie
Visited July 3rd, 2005
Routing ourselves along Highway 5, the Barcelona lighthouse was spotted on our right, much too close to the road edge and creating the need to turn our vehicle around. At the time, we had no idea we could capture scenes of this beautiful privately owned lighthouse from the "front" as well as the back. While staring at this property, thoughts of access with wheels appeared to be a relatively easy thing to accomplish, with just a few modifications.
At the time of the construction of the tower, Keepers Quarters were made of Fieldstone in 1829 with a one and a half story cottage that was modified sometime in the 1890's. The history behind this building is very significant as it was the first public building lit by natural gas in the area.
The property is listed on the National Register as "Barcelona Lighthouse & Keeper's Cottage". When this aid was first constructed it was known as the "Portland Harbor Light". Foundation materials of the tower are natural emplace and the construction is also of natural Fieldstone with a conical shape.
The original optic were 11 lamps with 14-inch reflectors and the light was first lit in 1829, then deactivated in 1859. In 1962, the optic became a gas "street lamp".
As we drove past the light, Dennis spotted the marina on the left, and headed down the hill to see if the tower could be seen from another vantage point. This little trek turned out to be one of the more fascinating experiences, as we met a kind gentleman who eagerly shared information we would otherwise not have had, and were able to capture the front of the tower facing the marina.
From the parking lot below, capturing this beauty from inside the van was quite an experience. Beautiful trees surrounded the tower and the cottage, once Keepers Quarters, where barely visible. It was more than the perfect hide-a-way and undoubtedly, residents had a beautiful view of the marina.
It was very difficult not to become slightly envious of whoever owned this property, while thoughts of wondering how in the world wheels could travel to the top of the tower.
While visiting with the gentleman, he informed us the lighthouse was for sale. "How much are they wanting to sell it for?" We asked.
"Oh, just One Million Dollars." He replied.
As we left the area, Dennis jokingly said, "See, there you go! There's the perfect lighthouse for you, Mom!" The perfect opportunity to finally buy a lighthouse was missed and we laughed at the idea, but without a single doubt, this one experience will last for many years to come.
Niagara Falls
No visit to the West Coast of New York would be complete without visiting Niagara Falls, USA.
The City of Niagara Falls in New York was incorporated on March 17th, 1892.
Niagara Falls, New York
Overlooking Niagara Falls from the USA
Visited July 3rd, 2005
Early in the morning we headed over to Niagara Falls to capture what we could not photo the night before because we left the cameras behind. This hindsight turned into a "best" advantage while two rainbows steadily waited to be captured below the rail, guarding visitors against falling into the massive falls far below. In the distance, Horseshoe Falls was clearly visible and on the right, tall buildings stood proudly on the Canadian Coast.
Dennis was insistent on wanting to cross the bridge to go over to Canada, stopping midway while passing the International Boundary Line between the United States of America and Canada, another photo brought insight to the vast and spectacular view of both the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls.
What was unknown at the time, was exactly what would be found on the opposite side of the bridge and whether or not we would be able to find a good location.
Leave it to a photographer, even on wheels, to find the perfect spot below thousands of people to capture a magnificent view of Horseshoe Falls (right).
Then a view of the American Falls (left) from Canada to complete the series before a Canadian authority approached us and politely asked us to leave while busy hands attempted to reload a camera.
Innocently smiling at the gentleman, asking for just a few more seconds while remaining glued to the pavement as if the wheels simply would not turn, he walked further down the hill stating sharply, "You best leave promptly."
Dennis said, "Let's get out of here before we both get arrested. We're not supposed to be down here!"
Looking up at him, feeling an eyebrow quizzically twitch in question, the camera was ready for one final shot to combine both the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. (Right)
What was really interesting after all film was developed and digital's processed, was this mom and son team ended up with equally great photography. That is, all except for the inexpensive camera Dennis purchased to take the scene missed by his mom.
However, he still did not have anything over on her, because the color from the camera he used did not do justice to the beautiful day.
The combined photography on this web page was produced by Julia Hollenbeck and SFC Dennis Musgraves using a Canon PowerShot Digital and 35 MM Nikon
(with the exception of the last photo)
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Your purchase of this DVD will continue providing education about "readily achievable and feasible" properties, the need to preserve historic buildings, and bring light beyond the beam. Available at $24.95 including handling and shipping (USA Only) through Wheel Me On.
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