Logo

lighthouse-index

Galloo Island Light

87M5VHQ4+C7

Name and Location

The Galloo Island Light, also known locally as the Galloo Island Lighthouse, is located on Galloo Island off the eastern coast of Lake Ontario in Jefferson County, New York, United States.

Construction and History

Built in 1858 during the mid-19th century, this lighthouse was constructed to provide a vital aid to navigation for mariners traversing Lake Ontario. Its primary function has been an essential part of maritime history, serving as a beacon for vessels navigating the lake, particularly during periods of foggy weather.

Architecture and Materials

The Galloo Island Light is a traditional lighthouse with a square tower made of brick and stone, reminiscent of other 19th-century lighthouses along Lake Ontario. Standing at a height of approximately 55 feet (16.76 meters), the focal height of the light is around 65 feet (19.8 meters) above sea level.

Light and Navigation

The original light source was a third-order Fresnel lens, emitting a white light with a characteristic of Fl(3)W.15s, indicating a flashing white light every 15 seconds. Although its primary function as a lighthouse has been automated, it still serves as an important aid to navigation for mariners traversing Lake Ontario.

Accessibility and Visiting

Although the light has been automated, visitors can access the island and the light via guided tours or self-guided exploration. For visitor information and tour schedules, please contact the local historical society or tourism board.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the surrounding landscape.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Unfortunately, there are no notable local folklore or unique anecdotes about this lighthouse. Its history is mainly tied to its role in maritime navigation and aid to navigation.

Technical and Operational Details

  • The coordinates for the Galloo Island Light are (43.8885218° N, -76.4443379° W).
  • You can find it on Google Maps: <https://goo.gl/maps/J3QK4E6vGyVW8P9o7>
  • The lighthouse is listed as a contributing property to the Sackets Harbor Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
  • There is no AIS or radar installation on site.

Further Information

Mariners can reference Chart #1497 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for navigational purposes. Explore nearby Sackets Harbor, a historic town with charming architecture and scenic views of Lake Ontario. Other attractions include the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site and the Sackets Harbor Lighthouse Museum.

Details

NameGalloo Island Light
City
CountryUnited States
Coordinates43.8885218, -76.4443379
Year of construction1858
Eventsfacilitating safe passage of vessels during periods of foggy weather
Historic significanceaid to navigation for mariners traversing Lake Ontario, maritime history
Architectural styletraditional lighthouse
Construction materialbrick and stone
Focal height65
Tower height55
Heritage statustrue
Access descriptionvia guided tours or self-guided exploration
Accessibletrue
Landscape typewetlands, forests, agricultural land use
View descriptionbreathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the surrounding landscape
Guided tourstrue
Nearby attractionsSackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, Sackets Harbor Lighthouse Museum
AIS Radarfalse
Light characteristicFl(3)W.15s
Automatedtrue