Prudence Island Lighthouse

Year Built

1823 (originally in Newport Harbor)

Cost

$3,500

Type

Octagonal tower

Height

28 feet

Location

Portsmouth

Automated Year

1961

First Lit

1823 on Goat Island - moved here in 1851

Lens Type

Fifth order Fresnel lens (1857) - Present optic: VLB-44 (LED)

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

N/A

Color

White w/black lantern

Last Keeper - Date

George T. Gustavus (1937 – 1939)

Description

It is one of the few lighthouses in the United States to retain its original bird-cage lantern.

Brief History

•  On August 10, 1884, a fog bell, tolled by an automatic striking mechanism, was established at the station.
•  In October 1887 Prudence Island Lighthouse keeper John T. Clark was granted a three week leave because of his health.
•  In 1924, the light’s characteristic was changed to flashing white, with a weight-activated rotating mechanism.
•  A few island residents looked after the light until it was automated in 1961.
•  In 2024, Senator Jack Reed visited Prudence Island to help celebrate the transfer of ownership of Prudence Island Lighthouse to the Prudence Conservancy.