Name and Location

Buffalo Main Light is a historic lighthouse marking the entrance to Buffalo Harbor on Lake Erie. It is located at 1 Fuhrmann Boulevard (Coast Guard Station South Road), Buffalo, Erie County, New York 14203, USA.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was first lit in 1833 as the second iteration of Buffalo's harbor light, following the original light station from 1818. The current structure is an Early 19th-century Federal-period lighthouse with a brick tower and lantern room (now painted white). Automation date unknown, likely mid-20th century.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse features a conical tower rising from a square house base (the keeper's dwelling footprint) constructed with brick materials. The architecture is typical of U.S. Treasury Department engineer plans of the period.

Light and Navigation

The current use of the lighthouse is as an active navigational aid, automated to support navigation in the harbor. Although light characteristic, focal plane, tower height, and range data are unavailable, it remains a significant beacon for mariners.

Accessibility and Visiting

http://www.buffalolight.org/# or the Facebook page.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding environment offers notable views: westward, entrance to Buffalo Harbor and Lake Erie's broad expanse; eastward, Buffalo's downtown skyline and the Inner Harbor industrial waterfront. The breakwall setting provides close-up views of wave action, freighter traffic, and seasonal ice formations.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local fishermen claim "Keeper's Ghost" sightings on foggy nights along the breakwall – no documented evidence. During the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, the light remained operational despite nearby pier damage (per Coast Guard archives).

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is listed in U.S. Coast Guard Light List as a conspicuous breakwater beacon; seamark category "tower," function "light_support." AIS/Radar data are not reported on the tower itself, but modern aids to navigation deployed by Buffalo Vessel Traffic Service in the harbor.

Further Information

National Archives catalog record: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/28891094. Buffalo Lighthouse Association: http://www.buffalolight.org/#. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buffalo-Lighthouse-245535252134529/. U.S. Coast Guard Light List and Local Notice to Mariners.