Old Fort Niagara Lighthouse

            Located in Lewiston, New York, at the junction of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, the light was first established in 1781, on the roof of Fort Niagara - the "French Castle".   Its purpose was to prevent vessels sailing at night from running too far westward of Fort Niagara.  It is believed that a light was kept in the tower only when a vessel was expected.

            The second tower, called the Newark Light, was built by the British at Fort Mississauga (Fort George), on the Canadian bank of the river, and stood from 1804 to 1814.

            The third light, built in 1823, was a wooden tower atop the mess house, and consisted of a squat pedestal and lamp.

            The current light, the fourth to serve the area, went into service in 1872.  It was a 50-foot octagonal stone tower built on the shore of Lake Ontario south of the Fort.  In 1900, and oil house was built, and 11-feet was added to the tower.  In addition to housing the watchroom, this increased height made the light visible 25 miles out on the lake.   The Fort Niagara Light was active until 1993.

            To reach the light, located within the Fort Niagara State Park, take the Robert Moses Parkway (Rt. 18F) into Fort Niagara State Park and follow the signs to the lighthouse.  For more information, call 716-745-7611.

Oil house is to the right

(To enlarge the pictures below, click on the image.)

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