Long Island’s lighthouses are more than just navigational aids—they’re monuments to history, resilience, and coastal charm. Among them, the Fire Island Lighthouse stands tall, quite literally, as a towering centerpiece of the island’s maritime legacy. From its unique beginnings to its modern-day status as a beloved landmark, this lighthouse has a story as captivating as its panoramic views from the top.
Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost story enthusiast, or just looking for a picturesque climb, here are some of the most fascinating and quirky facts about the Fire Island Lighthouse.
What Makes Fire Island Lighthouse Shine
- It’s the tallest lighthouse on Long Island. At 168 feet, it stands 50 feet taller than the iconic Montauk Lighthouse.
- Step up for a skyline view. Climbing its 182 steps rewards you with sweeping views, including a glimpse of the NYC skyline on clear days.
- A second chapter. The current lighthouse, built in 1858, replaced the original 1826 structure, which was just 74 feet tall and considered ineffective. Its stone was repurposed to create the terrace around the new tower.
- A government-approved upgrade. Congress funded the construction with $40,000 in 1857, and the lighthouse was officially lit on November 1, 1858.
History Meets Mystery
- It’s haunted—or so they say. Local legend tells of a caretaker in the 1800s who tragically ended his life after losing his child. His ghost is rumored to still wander the lighthouse, with sightings of a shadowy figure holding a rope.
- From cream to classic. Originally cream-colored, the lighthouse got its signature black-and-white bands in 1892.
Technological Evolution
- A light that never quits. The beacon has been powered by everything from whale oil to electricity. Today, two 1000-watt bulbs rotate counter-clockwise, creating a flash every 7.5 seconds, visible up to 24 miles away.
- A hurricane hiccup. The lighthouse was electrified on September 20, 1938—just in time for a hurricane to delay the process!
Saving the Fire Island Lighthouse
- Almost lost to time. Decommissioned in 1973 and replaced by a smaller optic at Robert Moses State Park, the lighthouse faced an uncertain future.
- A community triumph. In 1974, preservationists rallied to save it. By 1986, it was relit and reinstated as an official navigational aid.
Fun Tidbits
- Lighthouse relocation? Not quite. Over the years, Fire Island’s sands have shifted so much that the lighthouse, once on the inlet’s edge, now stands nearly five miles inland.
- Lights, camera, action. From 1970 to 1975, the lighthouse featured in the opening and closing credits of CBS’s The Guiding Light.
Fire Island’s lighthouse isn’t just a beacon for sailors—it’s a testament to Long Island’s maritime history, a site of community pride, and a destination full of stories waiting to be discovered. Plan a visit to climb its stairs, take in the views, and perhaps even meet its legendary ghost!
