Old Orchard Shoal Light facts for kids
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 Old Orchard Shoal Light
Location in New York
Old Orchard Shoal Light
Location in the United States
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| Coordinates | 40°30′44.272″N 74°5′55.369″W / 40.51229778°N 74.09871361°W |
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| Year first constructed | 1893 |
| Year first lit | 1893 |
| Automated | 1955 |
| Deactivated | destroyed 2012 |
| Foundation | Concrete/Cast Iron Caisson |
| Construction | Cast Iron |
| Tower shape | Conical "Spark Plug" |
| Markings / pattern | lower half brown, upper half white, on black pier |
| Height | 35 feet (11 m) |
| Focal height | 51 feet (16 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth Order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | 9.8 inches (250 mm) |
| Range | W 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) R 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 6s (Red from 087 deg to 203 deg |
| Fog signal | Removed/ Original air siren and horn |
| ARLHS number | USA-565 |
| USCG number | 1-35395 |
The Old Orchard Shoal Light was a special kind of lighthouse called a "sparkplug lighthouse." It stood in the lower part of New York Bay. Its job was to warn ships about a large shallow area called a shoal. Sadly, this historic lighthouse was completely destroyed by Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
The Old Orchard Shoal Light was finished and first lit up on April 25, 1893. This means it started guiding ships over 120 years ago!
Life as a Lighthouse Keeper
A man named Frank Schubert was one of the lighthouse keepers at Old Orchard Shoal Light. He later moved to work at other lighthouses, like the one on Governor's Island and then the Coney Island Light. Frank Schubert is known for being the last civilian (non-military) lighthouse keeper in the United States.
A Recognized Landmark
The Old Orchard Shoal Light was very important. It was listed by the National Park Service as one of New York's historic light stations. This means it was recognized as a special part of history.
The Lighthouse Goes Up for Sale
In 2007, the government decided that the Old Orchard Shoal Light was no longer needed. It was offered for sale under a law called the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. This law tries to find groups who will protect old lighthouses.
The lighthouse was described as a 35-foot tall, three-story building. It was made of cast iron and sat on a concrete base. The top half was white, and the bottom half was brown. It could only be reached by boat.
No group stepped forward to save the lighthouse. So, in 2008, the government put it up for auction. The bidding started at $10,000. It was finally sold for $235,000.
Destroyed by Hurricane Sandy
On October 29, 2012, a very powerful storm called Hurricane Sandy hit the area. The storm was so strong that it completely destroyed the Old Orchard Shoal Light. It was a sad end for this historic landmark.
Images for kids
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Old Orchard Shoal Light was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012.
