Block Island Southeast Lighthouse

Year Built

1875

Cost

$75,000

Type

Octagonal pyramidal tower attached to dwelling

Height

52 feet

Location

South East Light Road, New Shoreham

Automated Year

1990

First Lit

1875

Lens Type

First order Fresnel lens

Fog Signal

Horn, 1 every 30 sec

Year Deactivated

1990-1994

Color

Natural with black lantern

Last Keeper - Date

Norman R. Register (at least 1972 – 1973)

Description

The tower is connected to another building and has a small museum at the light.

Brief History

•  Though the tower is relatively short, its flashing green light shines forth over 200 feet above the water due its elevated location atop Mohegan Bluffs.
•  The illuminant was changed once again on February 12, 1907, when an incandescent oil vapor lamp replaced the kerosene lamp.
•  Because of its exposed position high on a bluff, the lighthouse took the full force of the legendary hurricane that hit New England on September 21, 1938.
•  1990, The light was deactivated by the Coast Guard in 1990 and transferred its mission to a beacon placed on a nearby steel tower.
•  Ownership of the lighthouse was transferred in 1992 to the Southeast Lighthouse Foundation, which is dedicated to its preservation.