Fire Island Lighthouse facts for kids
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| Fire Island Lighthouse | |
 Fire Island Lighthouse
Location in New York
Fire Island Lighthouse
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fire Island inlet, Long Island |
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| Coordinates | 40°37′56.8″N 73°13′6.9″W / 40.632444°N 73.218583°W |
| Year first constructed | 1826 |
| Year first lit | 1858 |
| Automated | 1986 |
| Deactivated | Active, inactive 1974–1986 |
| Foundation | Connecticut River Blue Stone/timber |
| Construction | Brick encased in cement |
| Tower shape | Conical tower |
| Markings / pattern | Four black and white bands |
| Height | 168 feet (51 m) |
| Original lens | First order Fresnel 1856 |
| Current lens | Carlisle & Finch Company |
| Range | 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing White 7.5 seconds counterclockwise. |
| ARLHS number | USA-286 |
| USCG number | 1–695 |
The Fire Island Lighthouse is a famous landmark in Suffolk County, New York. It stands tall on the western end of Fire Island, a long, thin strip of land off the southern coast of Long Island. This lighthouse is located within the Fire Island National Seashore. It is also just east of Robert Moses State Park. The Fire Island Light Station includes the light tower, the keeper's house, and a building that holds the original giant Fresnel lens. There is also a boathouse.
History of the Lighthouse
The first lighthouse on Fire Island was built in 1826. It was about 74 feet tall. The current lighthouse is a much taller stone tower. It is about 180 feet high. This new tower started working in 1858.
The United States Coast Guard stopped using the light in 1974. But a group called the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society (FILPS) was formed in 1982. Their goal was to save the lighthouse. FILPS worked hard and raised over $1.2 million to fix the tower and its light.
On May 25, 1986, the United States Coast Guard turned the Fire Island Lighthouse back on. It became an active "aid to navigation" again. This means it helps ships find their way. Since February 22, 2006, the lighthouse has been a "private aid to navigation." It is still on nautical charts. However, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society now operates and takes care of it.
The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. This list includes important historical places in the United States. The area around the lighthouse was also made a historic district in 2010.
When the lighthouse was first built, it was right at the edge of Fire Island Inlet. It marked the very western end of Fire Island. But over time, sand has built up on the island. Now, the lighthouse is nearly 5 miles from the island's western tip.
The lighthouse celebrated its 150th birthday in 2008. This was the same year that Robert Moses State Park turned 100 years old.
Visiting the Lighthouse
You can easily reach the lighthouse by taking a short walk. It is located near Robert Moses State Park – Field 5. The lighthouse is open to the public every day. You can even take a tour up the tower for a small fee.
