Lighthouses in of New York

For centuries, lighthouses all across the country have served as functional tools as well as historical landmarks, and there are plenty of lighthouses along the shores of New York. Some have been in existence for more than 100 years, while others are of more recent construction, but each has a fascinating history and an important purpose for those who sail the open waters.

There are several lighthouses, for example, along the Hudson River in New York, but the most famous is arguably the Hudson-Athens lighthouse, which is visible from Washington St. This particular landmark was purchased by the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Society in 1982, more than a century after its initial construction, and is currently a popular destination for tourists.

Named after the Montauket Indians, the Montauk Point Lighthouse is another favorite in New York. Construction on his historical landmark was ordered in 1792 by President George Washington, and is made of red Connecticut sandstone and stands 78 feet tall. It has been leased by the Montauk Historical Society since 1987, and currently serves not only as a lighthouse, but also as a museum displaying historical artifacts. You'll find this beautiful landmark at the far eastern tip of Long Island, officially in Montauk Point State Park.

Of course, a trip to New York is hardly complete without journeying to Fire Island, which is located just southeast of Long Island in Suffolk County. The lighthouse that guided ships bound for Fire Island for more than fifty years is now an historical monument, but was originally erected in 1826. Back then, it was coated in cream-colored handmade bricks, but is now black-and-white striped and constructed of waterproofed concrete following its restoration in the early 1990s.

There are dozens of other amazing lighthouses in New York, such as the Jeffry's Hook little red lighthouse, and the Galloo Island lighthouse that rents for $19,500 per week according to Lighthousefriends.com. So take a few hours on your next trip and experience all that New York history has to offer.