Rondout Light facts for kids
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 Rondout Creek Leading Light
Location in New York
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| Location | Hudson River at Rondout Creek, Kingston, New York |
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| Coordinates | 41°55′15″N 73°57′45″W / 41.92083°N 73.96250°W |
| Year first constructed | 1838 |
| Year first lit | 1915 (current tower) |
| Automated | 1954 |
| Foundation | Concrete pier with wood piles |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Square tower with attached house |
| Markings / pattern | Yellow brick with black lantern |
| Height | 48 feet (15 m) |
| Focal height | 54 feet (16 m) |
| Original lens | Sixth order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | 9.8 inches (250 mm) |
| Range | 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing White, 6 secs |
| Fog signal | Horn (removed) |
| Admiralty number | J1139 |
| ARLHS number | USA-702 |
| USCG number | 1-38190 |
The Rondout Light is a cool lighthouse located on the west side of the Hudson River. You can find it near Kingston, New York, right where the Rondout Creek meets the big river. Lighthouses like this one help boats find their way safely. They shine a light to guide ships and warn them about dangers.
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What's in a Name?
This lighthouse has a few different names! Its official name, used by the Coast Guard, is Rondout Creek Leading Light. This name tells you it helps lead boats into the creek.
It's also known as Kingston/Rondout 2 Lighthouse. This name comes from how it's numbered among other markers in the creek. It's the second one you see on the right side. Sometimes, it's simply called the Rondout Creek (Kingston) Light.
A Look Back: The History of Rondout Light
The Rondout Light has a long and interesting history. It wasn't always the brick building you see today.
The First Lighthouses
The very first lighthouse at the entrance to Rondout Creek was built in 1837. It was made of wood, which isn't as strong as stone or brick. This wooden lighthouse helped guide ships for many years.
In 1867, a new, stronger lighthouse replaced the wooden one. This second lighthouse was built from bluestone, a tough local rock. It stood tall and guided boats for almost 50 years. This bluestone lighthouse was taken down in the 1950s. Today, only its round stone base remains.
The Current Lighthouse
The lighthouse you see now was built in 1915. It replaced the bluestone lighthouse. This new building is made of sturdy brick and has a square tower with a house attached. Imagine living there and taking care of the light!
In 1954, the lighthouse became automated. This means machines took over the job of keeping the light shining. No one needed to live there anymore, so the building was closed.
A Lighthouse for the Community
For a long time, the United States Coast Guard owned and managed the Rondout Light. But in 2001, a special program started. It allowed some lighthouses to be given to local groups. This was a way to help preserve these historic buildings.
The Rondout Light was one of nine lighthouses chosen for this program. In 2002, ownership of the lighthouse was transferred to the City of Kingston. Now, a non-profit group called the Hudson River Maritime Museum helps manage and care for it.
The Rondout Light is also a very important historical building. In 1979, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places that are important to the history of the United States.
