Frenchman Island Lighthouse

The Frenchman Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1859 to serve as a navigational aid for mariners approaching Oneida Lake.

• The lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding vessels through the lake's treacherous waters during the mid-19th century.
• The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its construction.
• Frenchman Island and its lighthouse are listed as a historic site in the State of New York.

Architecture and Construction

The lighthouse stands at a height of approximately 25 meters (82 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of about 30 meters (98 feet).

The lighthouse was constructed using local sandstone and brick materials.

The Frenchman Island Lighthouse emits a fixed white light that can be seen from a distance of several miles.

Current Status

The island can be reached by boat, although it is not possible to walk or drive there due to its remote location.

• During the American Revolution, Frenchman Island was known as "Seven Mile Island" due to its strategic location on Oneida Lake.
• The island played a significant role in the region's early history, with various Native American tribes inhabiting the area before European settlement.