Blackwell Island Lighthouse

Year Built

1872

Cost

N/A

Type

Octagonal tower

Height

50 feet

Location

Roosevelt Island

Automated Year

N/A

First Lit

1872

Lens Type

Fourth-order Fresnel lens

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

1940

Color

Stone

Last Keeper - Date

Arthur Donnelly (1887 – 1895)

Description

This lighthouse is not open to the public but the grounds are open.

Brief History

•  The island was sold to the City of New York on July 19, 1828 for $32,000.
•  In 1872, construction of the lighthouse was started.
•  Blackwell Island (known as Welfare Island from 1921 to 1973; now Roosevelt Island).
•  The light was operated until about 1940.
•  On November 25, 1975, the lighthouse was designated a city landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.