Long before social media turned sunsets into advertising, the Long Island Rail Road was already on the case—using photography to market the island’s natural beauty. One such example? A striking image of the Fire Island Lighthouse from the turn of the 20th century.
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The photo comes from a 1901 book titled Unique Long Island Camera Sketches, published by the Long Island Rail Road.
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The LIRR distributed the book for free to promote eastbound travel and tourism.
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Inside, a note from the railroad reads:
“The Long Island Railroad Company, in the belief that the ‘sun pictures’ will describe better than words Long Island’s many charms…” -
The photo’s original caption is minimal but powerful: “Fire Island Light.”
