Saugerties Light facts for kids
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| Location | Hudson River at Esopus Creek, Saugerties, New York |
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| Coordinates | 42°4′19.53″N 73°55′46.72″W / 42.0720917°N 73.9296444°W |
| Year first constructed | 1869 |
| Year first lit | 1869 |
| Automated | 1954 |
| Deactivated | 1954-1990 |
| Foundation | Granite Block Crib |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Square |
| Markings / pattern | Natural w/ Black Lantern |
| Height | 46 feet (14 m) |
| Focal height | 42 feet (13 m) |
| Original lens | Sixth Order Fresnel lens |
| Characteristic | Occulting White 4 seconds (Oc W 4s) |
The Saugerties Lighthouse, also known as Saugerties Light, is a historic lighthouse located on the Hudson River in Saugerties, New York. It stands proudly north of the village, guiding boats and ships along the river. Lighthouses like this one have been important for safe travel on water for a very long time.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
Building the Saugerties Light
The current Saugerties Lighthouse was built in 1869. It replaced an older lighthouse that had stood there since 1838. This new lighthouse was designed to be stronger and more effective for guiding ships.
Life as a Lighthouse Keeper
Lighthouse keepers were people who lived at the lighthouse and made sure its light was always working. They had a very important job! One early keeper, Abraham Persons, worked at the Saugerties Lighthouse in 1835. He earned $350 for his work that year.
When the Light Changed
The United States Coast Guard stopped using the Saugerties Lighthouse in 1954. This was because new technologies, like radar, made lighthouses less necessary for navigation. The lighthouse was no longer needed to shine its light for ships.
Saving the Lighthouse
After being out of use for many years, a group called the Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy bought the lighthouse in 1986. This group is a "non-profit" organization, which means they use any money they make to help the lighthouse, not for personal profit. They worked hard to restore the lighthouse, bringing it back to its original condition.
Visiting the Lighthouse Today
Today, the Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy manages the lighthouse. They also take care of a nature trail that leads to it. You can even stay overnight in one of the two "bed and breakfast" rooms inside the lighthouse. A bed and breakfast is a place where you can rent a room to sleep and also get breakfast in the morning. The conservancy also offers public tours, so people can learn about the lighthouse's history. There's even a small museum inside that shows old items from the lighthouse and tells the story of its restoration.
Cultural Importance
A Historic Landmark
The Saugerties Lighthouse is recognized as an important historical site. The United States Coast Guard has listed it as one of its Historic Light Stations in New York. This means it's a special place that helps tell the story of America's waterways.
Featured in Collections
The Archives Center at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History has a large collection of souvenir postcards featuring lighthouses. Some of these postcards show the Saugerties Lighthouse. These postcards help people remember and appreciate these beautiful structures.
Places to Visit
The National Park Service includes the Saugerties Lighthouse on its Maritime Heritage Program list. This list highlights lighthouses that are great places to visit and learn about maritime history. It's a wonderful spot to explore and understand how lighthouses helped shape our past.
