Name and Location

Roundout Light, also known as Rondout Creek Leading Light or Front Range Light, is located at coordinates 41°55′15.12″ N, 73°57′45.07″ W (41.9208662, ��73.9625201) in Kingston, Ulster County, New York, USA.

Construction and History

The Roundout Light was established by the United States Lighthouse Service in 1915 to mark the front of the range leading vessels into Rondout Creek. It replaced earlier private beacons that had guided sloops and barges carrying coal and lumber to the port of Rondout in the 19th century. The keeper's dwelling originally stood on a nearby crib; in 1960, it was removed and reconstructed ashore at the Hudson River Maritime Museum site. The light became automated mid-20th century.

Architecture and Materials

The Roundout Light is a screwpile "front" range lighthouse designed to line up with a rear range light further upstream. Its foundation consists of six cast-iron screw-piles set into the riverbed, supporting a hexagonal cast-iron/steel tower on a wooden deck. The exterior is painted white with black-trimmed railings and lantern.

Light and Navigation

The characteristic of the Roundout Light is Fl G 4 s (green flash every 4 seconds). Its range is 6 nautical miles, using an originally fifth-order Fresnel lens. There is no fog signal installed; previously, a small fog bell was mounted on the platform. The light functions as an active front range light, guiding vessels to maintain the channel course.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Roundout Light is not accessible by land or direct public landing. Excellent views can be enjoyed from the Rondout waterfront trail, Kingston's Dock Street, and museum grounds at 50 Rondout Landing Road. Seasonal boat cruises and lighthouse-focused excursions are offered by the Hudson River Maritime Museum (advance reservation recommended).

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding area features the Rondout Historic District, with 19th-century waterfront warehouses, restaurants, galleries, and artisan shops. The Hudson River School Art Trail offers scenic overlooks tracing the paths of 19th-century landscape painters.

Technical and Operational Details

The light is managed by the Hudson River Maritime Museum (Kingston, NY) under custodial care of the United States Coast Guard (structure and light). The Rondout Light is not individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, though the Rondout historic district is. The current lens type is not publicly documented.

Further Information

For more information, please visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum at https://www.kingstonlighthouse.com/, or consult Wikipedia (en:Rondout Light), Wikidata (Q1687043), NOAA Chart 12350, and US Coast Guard Light List (Vol. I).