Saugerties Lighthouse

Transportation by boat is available from the south side of the Esopus Creek. The conservancy maintains a nature trail and private dock on Lighthouse Drive just past the Coast Guard Station on the north side of the creek. The nature trail (1/2-mile long) can be used by small groups with permission from the conservancy. The nature trail cannot be used by large groups, in periods of flood tide, or during nesting season for endangered bird species. Our dock can be used only by special permission.

History of the lighthouse

Saugerties Lighthouse

In 1834, Congress appropriated $5,000 for a lighthouse at the mouth of the Esopus Creek. In 1838, a stone house was completed on a 40 by 50 foot timber-framed pier, lighted by five whale oil lamps with parabolic reflectors. The foundations remain as the island to the east of the present lighthouse.

In 1867 funds were provided for the present lighthouse, which was constructed on a massive circular stone base 60 feet in diameter and 12 feet deep. The stone base sits on three rows of 56 pilings topped with three layers of 6 inch planking. The 20 inch thick brick cavity walls were constructed on stone fill within the circular pier. A fourth-order Fresnel lens, fueled with kerosene, provided the light for the new lighthouse. In 1888, the harbor was enlarged by building jetties and a small road was built to connect the lighthouse to Saugerties. The boathouse, which was originally on the island, was moved to the circular pier around the turn of the century. In 1910, a wooden platform extension and fog bell were added to the top of the lighthouse. The lights directed traffic on the river when Saugerties was a major port, with daily passenger boats to Manhattan and frequent ferries to Tivoli.

Drinking water for the keeper and his family was provided by a cistern located under the floor in the northeast corner of the building. This cistern was supplied by rainwater from the roof. Major repairs were made in 1940, and shortly after the war, electricity, steam heat and telephone were provided. The light was automated in 1954; the fittings were removed and the building sealed airtight. The keeper of the lighthouse is Steve Thomas. The lantern that houses the light was removed from the building and completely restored to its original condition. Stairs, rails and floors have been reconstructed. The Coast Guard has installed a fourth-order solar powered light. After 36 years, the light was restored to operation on August 4, 1990. In 1976 the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The lighthouse proper contains a museum, a caretaker's apartment, two bedrooms and a living room with merchandise displays. A common kitchen serves the apartment and bedrooms. Our museum displays artifacts of the lighthouse and of the commercial heyday of the Saugerties waterfront.