Content approved by Jerry Parker Long Island boasts about 25 historic lighthouses that stand sentinel across the 118-mile piece of land. This area is also full of beaches, state parks, and old seafaring towns. Planning a lighthouse getaway with visits to several Long Island beacons promises to be an enjoyable getaway. These gorgeous and historic […]
Content approved by Jerry Parker
Long Island boasts about 25 historic lighthouses that stand sentinel across the 118-mile piece of land. This area is also full of beaches, state parks, and old seafaring towns. Planning a lighthouse getaway with visits to several Long Island beacons promises to be an enjoyable getaway. These gorgeous and historic buildings make for amazing photo opportunities with the perfect ocean views.
Montauk Point Lighthouse sits on the tip of eastern Long Island in New York State. The waters around the lighthouse are part of the Block Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. This lighthouse holds the distinction of being New York State’s oldest lighthouse, authorized into service during George Washington’s presidency. Construction on the lighthouse began on June 7, 1796, and it was finished on November 5, 1796. The lighthouse remains in service today as a navigation aid, and it’s also been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
In 1826, the first Fire Island Lighthouse was built on Fire Island. This lighthouse was 74 feet high, and it was made out of Connecticut River blue split stones. In 1857, a project began to build a new lighthouse to replace the first one. This lighthouse was first lit on November 1, 1858, and it continued working until it was decommissioned as a navigational aid on December 31, 1973. After restoration in 1896, it was reinstated as an official navigational aid. The Fire Island Lighthouse holds the distinction of being Long Island’s tallest lighthouse.
The Stepping Stones Lighthouse was built in 1876. The lighthouse was positioned in this spot to warn ships about the many rocks beneath the surface of the Long Island Sound in this area. The lighthouse was renovated in 1944 to make it more modern. Although the Stepping Stones Lighthouse is still a navigational aid, it is in need of significant repairs.
Execution Rocks Lighthouse sits in the Long Island Sound. The lighthouse was built during the 1850s, and it sits atop Execution Rocks. Old legends tell stories about British soldiers chaining Patriot prisoners of war to the rocks to execute them. As the tide rose, the prisoners would drown. This lighthouse’s history was further sullied by serial Killer Carl Panzram killing sailors and dumping their bodies in the water around the rocks.
North Dumpling Lighthouse was built in 1849. It is made of red bricks and is two stories tall. In 1959, the beacon was transferred to a steel tower, putting the lighthouse out of commission. During the 1980s, the beacon was put back in the lighthouse.