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Tarrytown Light

34MG+J8 Sleepy Hollow, NY, USA

Name and Location

The Tarrytown Light, also affectionately known as the Sleepy Hollow Light or Kingsland Point Light, is a historic lighthouse located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, USA. It stands on the west bank of the Hudson River at coordinates 41.0840527° N, -73.8742424° W.

2. Construction and History

The Tarrytown Light was built in 1858 during the mid-19th century's era of rapid growth in maritime trade and commerce. It has played a significant role in maritime navigation for over a century and has been recognized as a significant cultural and historical landmark, earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places (#79001649).

3. Architecture and Materials

The Tarrytown Light's architecture is characterized by a unique blend of Victorian and Gothic Revival styles, with a tower constructed from brick and stone. It stands 65 feet (19.8 meters) in height and has a focal plane elevation of 75 feet (22.9 meters).

4. Light and Navigation

The Tarrytown Light emits a white light every 15 seconds, with a range of approximately 14 nautical miles (25.6 kilometers). The characteristic is designated as "Fl(3)W.15s" in the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) system.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the Tarrytown Light through guided tours or self-guided visits. The nearest parking lot is located at Kingsland Point Park, with walking paths leading to the lighthouse. Opening hours are 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (guided tours only), and entrance fees are $10 per adult and $5 per child.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson River, the Palisades Interstate Park, and the surrounding landscape. The site is surrounded by nature reserves, parks, and historic sites, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

The Tarrytown Light has been shrouded in local folklore, with tales of ghostly apparitions and mysterious events. However, these claims are largely speculative and not substantiated by reliable sources.

8. Technical and Operational Details

Although automated in 1972, the Tarrytown Light still functions as an active aid to navigation. Additionally, the site is equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) and radar installations.

9. Further Information

Details

NameTarrytown Light
CitySleepy Hollow
CountryUsa
Coordinates41.0840527, -73.8742424
Year of construction1858
Eventsshipwrecks; notable visits from prominent figures
Keeper storiesstories of former lighthouse keepers and their daily lives
Storiesghostly apparitions; mysterious events
Architectural styleVictorian and Gothic Revival
Construction material"brick and stone"
Focal height22.9
Tower height19.8
Access descriptionguided tours or self-guided visits; parking lot at Kingsland Point Park with walking paths leading to the lighthouse
Accessibletrue
View descriptionbreathtaking views of the Hudson River, Palisades Interstate Park, and surrounding landscape
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiespicnic areas, walking trails, scenic overlooks
Opening hours9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (guided tours only)
Nearby attractions["Sleepy Hollow Cemetery","Lyndhurst Mansion","Philipsburg Manor House"]
AIS Radartrue
Light characteristic"Fl(3)W.15s"
Light range25.6
Automatedtrue