Sakonnet Light facts for kids
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| Post-renovation (2012) | |
 Sakonnet Light
Location in Rhode Island
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| Coordinates | 41°27′11.4″N 71°12′8.9″W / 41.453167°N 71.202472°W |
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| Year first constructed | 1884 |
| Year first lit | 1884 |
| Deactivated | 1955-1997 |
| Foundation | Concrete / Iron caisson on rock |
| Construction | Cast iron with brick lining |
| Tower shape | Conical tower on cylindrical base |
| Markings / pattern | White on black base |
| Focal height | 58 feet (18 m) |
| Original lens | 4th order Fresnel lens, 1884 |
| Range | White sector 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) red 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing white, 6 seconds red sector |
| Fog signal | none |
| USCG number | 1-17577 |
The Sakonnet Light is a cool lighthouse that stands tall near Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, Rhode Island. It was built in 1884. This lighthouse is a special type called a "sparkplug lighthouse." This means it looks like a giant sparkplug and is built on a strong base in the water.
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History of Sakonnet Light
Built to Last
The Sakonnet Light was finished and first lit up in 1884. For many years, it helped guide ships safely along the coast. Lighthouses are super important because they warn sailors about dangerous rocks or shallow waters.
Saved by the Community
In 1954, a big storm called Hurricane Carol hit the area. After the hurricane, the lighthouse was turned off, or "deactivated." There were plans to tear it down, which made many local people very upset.
Luckily, in 1961, a couple named Carl and Carolyn Haffenreffer bought the lighthouse. Carl said he bought it because he was "afraid someone was going to paint it pink or haul it away for scrap." Their action saved the lighthouse from being destroyed.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its importance, the Sakonnet Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This is a special list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect them.
Back in Action
In 1985, a group called the Friends of Sakonnet Lighthouse took over caring for the lighthouse. Thanks to their hard work, the United States Coast Guard turned the light back on in 1997. It was "reactivated" and could once again guide ships.
The lighthouse needed a lot of repairs to make it strong and safe again. A big project to fix it up, costing $1.45 million, was finished in 2012. The Friends of the Sakonnet Light group even won an award for their amazing work!
