Name and Location

Conanicut Island Lighthouse is located in Jamestown, Rhode Island, USA, serving as a major aid to navigation for vessels entering Narragansett Bay.

Construction and History

The Conanicut Island Lighthouse was built in 1898 by the U.S. Lighthouse Service to serve as a major aid to navigation for vessels entering Narragansett Bay. Its construction marked an important milestone in the region's maritime heritage.

Architecture and Materials

The tower stands at an impressive height of 65 feet (20 meters) with a focal plane of 135 feet (41 meters). The architectural style is characterized by a robust, square base and a tapered, octagonal upper section, topped by a distinctive lantern room.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a fixed white light every 15 seconds, with a range of approximately 17 nautical miles (31 kilometers). The original light source was a kerosene lamp, replaced in the 1960s by an electric beacon. Today, the lighthouse is powered by solar panels and a battery backup system.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds via North Bay View Drive in Jamestown. Although the tower itself is not open to the public due to safety concerns, the surrounding area offers scenic views of Narragansett Bay and the surrounding landscape.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding area offers scenic views of Narragansett Bay and the surrounding landscape.

Technical and Operational Details

In 1971, the Conanicut Island Lighthouse became one of the first major U.S. lighthouses to be automated, eliminating the need for a resident keeper. The light's operations are now managed by the United States Coast Guard.

Further Information

The Conanicut Island Lighthouse has played a crucial role in ensuring the safe passage of vessels through one of the busiest waterways on the East Coast. Its heritage is further reflected in its listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and its designation as a Contributing Property to the Jamestown Historic District.