Lighthouses: Beacons of Fire
Lighthouses have a long and illustrious history dating back to Greek and Roman times. Back then it was just a fire on a raised platform, but the concept remains today. Somewhere around the turn of the 18th century, lighthouses went from raised pyres warning of battle to modern ship-saving beams of precautionary light. They have become totems of historical grandeur and popular tourist attractions. Here’s a list of the five must visit lighthouses in western New York.
Dunkirk Lighthouse:
The Dunkirk is bursting with historical significance. Constructed in 1827, the 61 foot tower has seen a few rebuilds, including the Victorian style house built in 1875 to replace a deteriorating tower. The Dunkirk is on the National Register of Historic Places. It stands a few football fields away from the first shots fired in the war of 1812. The war of 1812, if you remember, was the inspiration behind The Star Spangled Banner.
This light saved many a sailor and was French and cost over $10,000! Also on the grounds, is the Dunkirk light ship, which worked in tandem with ships to safely guide them into the harbor. It is also considered haunted and ghost tours for those brave enough are available.
(http://www.dunkirklighthouse.com/)
Oneida Lighhouse:
The Onedia lighhouse is the only permanent residence on Frenchman Island . The Island is roughly 56 acre. The now 105 foot lighthouse, originally 85 feet tall, was built as part of “Clinton’s Big Ditch” which was the digging of the Erie Canal, proposed by Dewitt Clinton. Clinton’s ditch turned out to be a massive success, creating an influx of goods and people into New York City and State.
Getting to the island requires a boat. Completely wild and great for exploring, the island was closed until 2008 because of vandalism but is now open to the public.
(http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=1569)
The Barcelona Lighthouse:
Located in Westfield, New York, the Barcelona Light was commissioned by Congress in 1828 for a 40 foot lighthouse on Lake Erie. The lighthouse was constructed for roughly $3,456.78 and powered by 11 lamps and 11 reflectors. It ran on oil with 500 gallon double tin oil butt. The lighthouse is so old there was no indication in the plans for natural burning gas.
While the technique of lighting the Barcelona was innovative at the time, it was costly and likely dangerous. The lighthouse was only in use for 30 years but has been privatized and kept as historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1972.
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3466643
Charlotte-Genesse Lighthouse:
The oldest and yet, newest light house on our list is the Carlotte-Genesse. Originally built in 1822, the octagonal lighthouse built of stone has had a life of renovation and even transience. Originally powered by 10 Whale Oil Argand lamps before being replaced in 1853 by the Fresnel lens, the tower was also not built where it stands today. After construction of piers altered the river mouth, the Charlotte-Genesse was forced to move to a point further down the pier. Even today the Charlotte-Genesse is getting attention. In 2014 Phase I of restoration was completed. After all these years and multiple close calls, it still stands today and provide amazing panoramic views of the country.
http://www.geneseelighthouse.org/
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse:
The last, but certainly not the least, on our list is the Tibbetts Point Light situated in Cape Vincent. Erected in 1854 the Tibbetts is still functioning today, using the popular Fresnel lens; it is one of only 70 such lenses still operating in the USA today. The area surrounding the Tibbetts offers fantastic views and amazing vistas. The lighthouse itself, which also includes a hostel, is the Number One sight in Cape Vincent and a must-see for any lighthouse aficionado.
