West Pierhead Light

The West Pierhead Light is an active lighthouse located off the coast of Oswego, New York, at the mouth of the Oswego River and Lake Ontario.

History

• The original light was constructed in 1880, but it was replaced by a new structure built in 1934. The interior originally contained a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which was later replaced in 1995. The original lens is currently housed at the H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego.

Architecture

The West Pierhead Light stands at an impressive tower height of approximately 17 meters (56 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of around 20 meters (66 feet). It features a distinctive design and was constructed using various materials, although specific details are not available. The light is reportedly equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which has been replaced by an automated system.

Light Characteristics

• The West Pierhead Light emits a red light with a range of 11 nautical miles (20 km) and a period of 10 seconds. It also features a fog signal that operates automatically, emitting one blast every 30 seconds, followed by three short blasts.

Current Status

The West Pierhead Light is an active aid to navigation, currently operated by the United States Coast Guard. The light is open to the public for tours during the summer months and is accessible by boat or from land over the adjacent breakwater.

Location and Accessibility

The lighthouse is situated at the end of a 2,000-foot-long (610 m) breakwater extending one-half mile (0.80 km) out onto Lake Ontario. It can be reached by boat or via a walkway from the adjacent breakwater, which is accessible from West 1st Street North in Oswego.

Heritage Status

The West Pierhead Light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a historic lighthouse with a heritage value of 2. It is also recognized by the United States Coast Guard as an important aid to navigation.

Notable Historical Events

While specific details are not available, it can be reported that the West Pierhead Light has played a significant role in maritime history and continues to serve as an essential navigational aid for mariners.