Overview

A landmark beacon on the Hudson River, the Saugerties Lighthouse is a venerable aid to navigation, constructed in 1869 at the mouth of the Esopus Creek. The Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy maintains the Lighthouse and adjacent lands for the enjoyment of the public.



The restored, red-brick Lighthouse offers overnight Bed & Breakfast accommodations, public tours and special events. Furnished as it may have looked in the early 20th century, the Lighthouse contains a small museum, gift shop, parlor, kitchen, keepers’ quarters, and two guest bedrooms. The operational light-tower offers a panoramic view of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains.

The Lighthouse can be reached via the half-mile nature trail at the end of Lighthouse Drive in the village of Saugerties, New York. A small dock is available on a limited basis to boaters.

Specifications

State: New York
Location: Hudson River at Esopus Creek, 42°4’19.4″ N 73°55’46.7″W
Nearest Town: Saugerties, NY
County: Ulster
United States Coast Guard District: One
Station Established: 1835
Existing Historic Tower: 1869, attached to keeper’s quarters
Previous Tower: 1835, integral to keeper’s quarters
Automated and destaffed: 1954, eventually replaced by a light atop a pipe structure
Reactivated: 1990, currently operational
Architecture: Square tower attached to Italianate L-shaped red-brick dwelling, circular limestone block crib
Other Structures: Rainwater cistern, Wooden boathouse
Tower Height: 46 feet
Markings/Patterns: Natural with black lantern
Original Optic: Sixth Order “Beehive” Fresnel
Present Optic: Solar-powered LED, installed 1990
Light characteristic: Occulting white light every 4 seconds (4 seconds white, 1 second dark); visible for 5 nautical miles
Height of Focal Plane: 42 feet
Fog Signal Type: Bell (inactive), installed 1909
Current Use: Museum/Bed & Breakfast
Owner/Manager: Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy with USCG access to optic
National Register Status: Listed 5/29/1979; Reference #79001642
Public Access: Exterior access year-round from sunrise to sunset; Interior scheduled tours on summer weekends or by appointment