Watch Hill Lighthouse

Watch Hill Lighthouse is situated on Lighthouse Road in Westerly, Rhode Island, United States.

• Visitors can access the lighthouse by car or on foot from nearby public roads.

History

Construction of the Watch Hill Lighthouse began in 1856 and was completed in 1858.

• The lighthouse has been an important aid to navigation for mariners in the waters off Rhode Island's coast, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when maritime trade was at its peak.

Architecture

The Watch Hill Lighthouse is a 19-meter-tall (62-foot) tower constructed from limestone and granite.

• The lighthouse features a distinctive octagonal shape with a square base and a cylindrical upper section.
• The tower's architectural style is characteristic of mid-19th-century American lighthouses.

Light Characteristics

The Watch Hill Lighthouse emits a fixed white light, visible from a range of approximately 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers).

• The light pattern is not specified, but it is reportedly a traditional "first-order" optic system.

Current Status

The Watch Hill Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation under the management of the United States Coast Guard.

However, its automated operation began in recent years, allowing for reduced staffing requirements and improved efficiency.

Heritage Status

The Watch Hill Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) with a reference number of 85001948.

It has also been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Notable Historical Events

One notable event in the history of the Watch Hill Lighthouse was its role during World War II, when it played an important part in guiding Allied naval vessels through the waters off Rhode Island's coast.