West Bank Light facts for kids
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| West Bank Lighthouse | |
 West Bank Lighthouse
Location in New York City
West Bank Lighthouse
Location in New York
West Bank Lighthouse
Location in the United States
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| Location | west of Ambrose Channel lower New York Bay |
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| Coordinates | 40°32′16.8″N 74°02′34.1″W / 40.538000°N 74.042806°W |
| Year first constructed | 1901 |
| Year first lit | 1901 |
| Automated | 1985 |
| Foundation | Concrete/cast-iron caisson |
| Construction | Cast iron |
| Tower shape | Frustum of a cone sparkplug |
| Markings / pattern | Brown on black base |
| Height | 55 feet (17 m) |
| Focal height | 69 feet (21 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth-order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | 12 inches (300 mm) |
| Characteristic | Isophase 6s white from 181° to 004° red from 004° to 181°. |
| Fog signal | Horn: 2 blasts every 20 s |
| Admiralty number | J1081 |
| ARLHS number | USA-876 |
| USCG number | 1-34790 |
The West Bank Light, also known as the West Bank Front Range Light, is a historic lighthouse located in Lower New York Bay. It stands west of the Ambrose Channel in New York City. This lighthouse helps guide ships safely into the busy port of New York.
The West Bank Light is still working today. It is not open for people to visit inside. The lighthouse tower was first built in 1901. It was made taller in 1908 to help its light be seen even further. Another lighthouse, the Staten Island Light, works with it as a "rear range light." Together, they form a pair that helps ships stay on the right path.
Contents
What is the West Bank Lighthouse?
The West Bank Lighthouse is a special type of lighthouse called a "sparkplug lighthouse." It is built on a strong foundation in the water. The tower itself is made of cast iron. It stands about 55 feet (17 meters) tall. Its light shines from about 69 feet (21 meters) above the water.
How Does the Light Work?
The lighthouse uses a special lens called a Fourth-order Fresnel lens. This type of lens helps make the light very bright and focused. The light has a unique pattern, called an "isophase" light. This means the light stays on for the same amount of time it is off. It flashes white for six seconds, then off for six seconds.
The light also changes color depending on the direction. It shines white from 181 degrees to 004 degrees. It shines red from 004 degrees to 181 degrees. This helps ships know if they are staying in the correct part of the channel. The lighthouse also has a fog horn that blasts two times every 20 seconds when it's foggy.
Why is the West Bank Lighthouse Important?
The West Bank Light is very important for guiding ships. It marks the front of the Ambrose Channel. This channel is like a watery highway for large ships entering and leaving New York Harbor. The lighthouse helps prevent accidents and keeps shipping lanes safe.
A Historic Landmark
On January 9, 2007, the West Bank Light Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. It is part of a group of important lighthouses in the United States.
Who Owns the Lighthouse?
The United States Coast Guard is in charge of the West Bank Light. They make sure it stays working and helps guide ships.
The Lighthouse Goes Up for Sale
In 2007, the U.S. government decided the West Bank Light was no longer needed by the Coast Guard. They offered it to groups who would promise to take care of it as a historical site. No groups came forward to take on this big job.
So, in 2008, the lighthouse was put up for sale to the public. The first auction started at $10,000. It ended with a high bid of $245,000. However, that sale did not go through. The lighthouse was auctioned again in 2010. This time, it sold for $195,000 to a person named Sheridan Reilly.
Images for kids
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West Bank Lighthouse
