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First Lighthouse Built in the U.S.
Boston Lighthouse, built on Little Brewster Island, is lit for the first time. It still sits on an island in Boston Harbor and is the oldest "continually used" lighthouse in the country. Destroyed during the Revolutionary War, it was rebuilt in 1783. For more information on the island and tours of the lighthouse, click here. -
Fire Island Lighthouse Lit
Fire Island Lighthouse is lit for the first time. It would remain an aid to navigation until 1973. Today it's open to visitors year-round, with extended hours in the summer. -
First Offshore Iron Caisson Lighthouse
Located on Duxbury Bay in Massachusetts, the Duxbury Pier Lighthouse opens in the fall of 1871. Originally, there was no outside deck. The lighthouse is not currently open to the public, though there is more information about its history here. -
Stepping Stones Lighthouse Lit for the FIrst Time
Constructed by Irish bargemen and stonemasons, the Stepping Stones Lighthouse sits on the north shore of Long Island at the entrance to Long Island Sound. North Hempstead, Long Island, has petitioned the U.S. Coast Guard to take ownership of the site. -
Statue of Liberty Inaugurated
The Statue of Liberty was originally used as a navigational aid. The electric light in its torch was visible for 24 miles, until 1902 -
Coney Island Light Burns Bright
Coney Island's growing popularity as a tourist spot meant increased ferry and barge traffic. That necessitated the building of a lighthouse to guide these vessels. Read about the Coney Island Light, and its civilian caretaker, here. -
West Bank Lighthouse Alive
Construction began on this lower New York Bay lighthouse in August 1900. It was lit for the first time in January 1901. It's the front range light for the Ambrose Channel. -
Little Red Lighthouse Given to NYC
The Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse, better known as the 'Little Red Lighthouse,' is given to the City of New York by the U.S. Coast Guard. It was originally built on Sandy Hook, New Jersey in 1880. Click here for more information, including when the lighthouse is open for tours. -
Blackwell Island Light Makes Historic List
The Blackwell Island Light, on the northern tip of Roosevelt Island, is named to the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse is viewable from many spots on east side of Manhattan and, of course, on Roosevelt Island itself.
