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Point Judith Lighthouse

1470 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA

Name and Location

The Point Judith Lighthouse is located in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and has been guiding mariners for over 200 years. Its striking white tower and distinctive red lantern room make it a notable landmark along the rocky coast of New England.

Construction and History

Commissioned in 1857, the Point Judith Lighthouse was built to address concerns about maritime safety in the region. Prior to its construction, the area was notorious for shipwrecks and fatalities due to treacherous waters and lack of navigational aids. The lighthouse's installation marked a significant turning point in maritime history, as it provided a vital aid to navigation, helping to reduce accidents and loss of life at sea.

Architecture and Materials

The Point Judith Lighthouse stands 72 feet (19.8 meters) tall, with a red lantern room situated atop the tower. The lighthouse's distinctive white tower is surrounded by a brick structure, which houses the keepers' quarters. The building's architecture reflects the typical design of lighthouses during this period, with its cylindrical shape and narrow stairway leading to the light.

Light and Navigation

The Point Judith Lighthouse was originally lit in 1857, with a first-order Fresnel lens providing a powerful beam that could be seen from up to 16 miles (25 kilometers) out to sea. Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone various changes and upgrades, including the installation of an electric light in 1924.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Point Judith Lighthouse is one of the oldest working lighthouses on the East Coast, still maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard today. Unfortunately, the exact visiting information is not available; however, enthusiasts can appreciate its historical significance and architectural beauty from afar or through online sources.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Point Judith Lighthouse sits atop a rocky outcropping overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding coastline. The area's natural beauty and historic maritime heritage make it an attractive destination for those interested in lighthouses and coastal history.

Anecdotes and Folklore

As one of the oldest working lighthouses on the East Coast, the Point Judith Lighthouse has a rich history and storied past. Unfortunately, there are no notable anecdotes or folklore surrounding this lighthouse; however, its importance as a maritime beacon is undeniable.

Technical and Operational Details

The Point Judith Lighthouse's original light source was oil, which was replaced by electric lighting in 1924. The U.S. Coast Guard has made efforts to preserve the lighthouse's structure and maintain its historic integrity, including the installation of a new Fresnel lens in 2006.

Further Information

  • * National Register of Historic Places (Reference #88000279)
  • * United States Coast Guard
  • * Wikipedia: en:Point Judith Light

Details

NamePoint Judith Lighthouse
CityNarragansett
CountryUnited States
Coordinates41.3610324, -71.4814008
Year of construction1857
Eventsshipwrecks; fatalities due to treacherous waters and lack of navigational aids
StoriesThe lighthouse's original light source was oil, which was replaced by electric lighting in 1924.
Focal height19.8
Tower height72
Heritage statustrue
Renovationsinstallation of an electric light in 1924; new Fresnel lens in 2006
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky coast
Guided toursfalse
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Nearby attractions["other lighthouses on the East Coast"]
AIS Radarfalse
Light characteristic"Oc (white) 5+(2)+2+(2)"
Light range16
Automatedtrue