Bluff Point Light facts for kids
| Location | Valcour Island, New York |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°37′22″N 73°25′52″W / 44.62282°N 73.43116°W |
| Year first constructed | 1874 |
| Year first lit | 1874 |
| Automated | 1930 |
| Deactivated | 1930-2004 |
| Foundation | Dressed Stone/Timber |
| Construction | Blue limestone / Wood |
| Tower shape | Octagonal on Square House |
| Markings / pattern | Red/White Tower on Square House |
| Height | 35 feet (11 m) |
| Focal height | 95 feet (29 m) |
| Original lens | Fifth Order Fresnel lens (original), 12 inches (300 mm) (current) |
| Range | 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing White 4s |
Bluff Point Light, also called the Valcour Island Light, is a historic lighthouse located on Valcour Island in Lake Champlain. It was built in 1874 and helped guide ships until 1930. This lighthouse was one of the last ones on Lake Champlain to get its name. Today, it is part of Adirondack State Park. It is run as a museum by the Clinton County Historical Association. This group is part of the Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance (ACCA).
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Building the Bluff Point Lighthouse
The United States Congress approved $15,000 in 1870 to build Bluff Point Light. The lighthouse stands more than 90 feet (27 m) above the shore. Its base is made of strong blue limestone. The area around the lighthouse also had a wooden shed, a water tank (cistern), and an outdoor toilet (privy).
For nearly 60 years, this beautiful Victorian-style lighthouse helped ships. Its special Fresnel lens (a type of lighthouse lens) guided boats. It showed them the way through the narrow channel between Valcour Island and New York State.
Lighthouse Keepers
Like many other lighthouses, Bluff Point Light had a lighthouse keeper. This person was in charge of keeping the light burning and the lighthouse running.
Major William Herwerth
The first keeper was Major William Herwerth. He was a Civil War veteran. Major Herwerth worked at the lighthouse from 1876 until 1881. He passed away while on duty.
Mary Herwerth Takes Charge
After Major Herwerth's death, his wife Mary took over. This was unusual for a woman at that time. Mary Herwerth was in command of the lighthouse until 1902. She did a great job keeping the light shining for ships.
From Old Light to New
In 1930, the Bluff Point Lighthouse stopped working. A new steel tower was built south of the old lighthouse. This new tower had an automated light. This meant it could work by itself without a keeper. Because of this, the old lighthouse was no longer needed.
The lighthouse stayed dark for many years. Then, in August 2002, the United States Coast Guard lit it up again. It was officially put back into service in 2004.
A New Life for the Lighthouse
After the lighthouse stopped being used, a doctor named Otto Raboff bought it. He was from Massachusetts. Doctor Raboff fixed up the lighthouse and used it as a summer home for his family.
In the 1980s, the lighthouse became part of Adirondack State Park. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has owned the lighthouse since 1986. They pay for all its upkeep and repairs.
Since then, the Clinton County Historical Association has worked hard. They have restored the lighthouse and turned it into a museum. In 1999, this group received an award from Adirondack Architectural Heritage. This award was for their great work in taking care of the lighthouse.
