Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | 70 Lighthouse St., Rochester, New York |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°15′10″N 77°36′40″W / 43.25278°N 77.61111°W |
| Year first lit | 1822 |
| Deactivated | Active |
| Construction | Stone, white tower |
| Tower shape | Octagonal |
| Height | 40 feet (12 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi) |
| Characteristic | White, Fixed |
The Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse is an old stone lighthouse built in 1822. It stands in the Charlotte area of northern Rochester, New York. This 40 ft (12 m) tall tower is located right on Lake Ontario. It's at the very spot where the Genesee River meets the lake.
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About the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse
The lighthouse has a unique eight-sided (octagonal) shape. When it was first built, it used 10 special lamps that burned whale oil. These lamps helped ships find their way in the dark.
In 1853, these older lamps were replaced. A newer, more powerful Fresnel lens was installed. This type of lens made the light much brighter and easier to see from far away.
Why the Light Was Turned Off
On February 28, 1881, the lighthouse was turned off. This happened because the mouth of the river changed. New piers were built nearby, which moved the river's entrance.
Because of these changes, the lighthouse was no longer close to the water. So, in 1884, the light was moved to a pier instead.
Saving the Historic Lighthouse
Years later, in 1965, the lighthouse faced a new challenge. It was in danger of being torn down. But students from Charlotte High School stepped in to help.
They started a big letter-writing campaign to save the lighthouse. Their efforts helped protect this important piece of history. In 1981, the government said it was "surplus," meaning it was no longer needed for its original purpose.
Today, the lighthouse is owned by Monroe County. A group of volunteers, called the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society, manages it. They run it as a museum for everyone to visit.
A Special Landmark
The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is part of the Seaway Trail. This is a special route known as a National Scenic Byway. It means the area is very beautiful and important.
The lighthouse is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places important to American history. It's also a special landmark for the City of Rochester.
You can visit the lighthouse and learn about its past. As of 2014, the lighthouse is active again. It's listed by the United States Coast Guard as light number 2333.
