Colchester Reef Light

The Colchester Reef Light is a historic lighthouse located on Lake Champlain in Vermont, United States.

History

• In 1869, the United States Lighthouse Service commissioned the construction of the Colchester Reef Lighthouse to protect ships from the Middle Bunch Reef, comprising the Colchester Reef, the Colchester Shoals, and the Hogback Reef. The lighthouse was built on Lake Champlain in 1871.

Architecture

The Colchester Reef Light is a wooden lighthouse with a distinctive octagonal tower. It stands at a height of approximately 50 feet (15 meters) above the waterline, but its total height from the base to the top of the optic is around 65 feet (20 meters). The light source was reportedly a first-order Fresnel lens.

Light Characteristics

The Colchester Reef Light was equipped with a rotating beam that could be seen for approximately 12 nautical miles. The exact pattern and range of the light are not specified in available information.

Current Status

The lighthouse is no longer an active aid to navigation, having been replaced by more modern aids. It has been relocated to the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont, where it serves as a static exhibit.

Location and Accessibility

The Colchester Reef Light is located on Lake Champlain, northwest of Burlington, Vermont, at coordinates 44.37531938° N, 73.23134454° W. The lighthouse is situated near the Shelburne Museum, which can be visited by the public.

Heritage Status

The Colchester Reef Light has been recognized as a historic landmark and is reportedly listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable Historical Events

• In 1956, the lighthouse was moved to its current location at the Shelburne Museum.