The Horton Point Lighthouse, another treasure from Long Island's
Great Northern Fork, in the town of Southold, New York.

The lighthouse was built in 1857.
Its number on the U.S. Coast Guard List is 21,150 and
its position of 41-05.1' North Latitude x 72-26.8' West Longitude.

As a working light it gives a slow flashing green-tinged glow every 10 seconds.
The height of the tower is 58 feet, and the height above the focal plane is 103'
above sea level. Its range is 14 nautical miles.

The lights optic was a third order Fresnel Lens, and its present optic is a FA2.
Horton Point is one of Southold's seven existing lighthouses.

The tower and the joined Keepers Dwelling stand on the "Cliff Lot"
of Barnabas Horton's original land grant in 1640.

As originally built, the seperated tower was joined to the two story,
Federal style keepers dwelling by a cut stone, arched windway.
Some 30 years later the archway was closed in, and a second story was
added between the structures, creating space for an assistant keepers
dormitory. At about that time, the gracious north porch was added.
In 1933, the light was turned off in the tower, replaced by an automated one
that was lit on the top of the skeletal tower, 50' closer to the shoreline.
In January of 1934, the Southold Park District purchased the lighthouse
buildings and grounds from the U.S. Department of Commerce for one dollar.
The last keeper stayed on, and in , the residence
until the hurricane of 1938.

During World War II, the buildings were occupied by the
U.S. Coast Guard, and successively, other military units as well,
as the Civilian Defense Corps.

Oral history suggests that in 1757, George Washington, saw and
discussed the possibility of a lighthouse with
"EZRA L'HOMMEDIEU"
who later designed the placement of the
"MONTAUK LIGHTHOUSE"
for the then president.

Intense restoration occurred in 1990, when the tower as repaired
internally, and externally, reopened and re-lit.

The keepers dwelling now houses the
"SOUTHOLD HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S NAUTICAL MUSEUM"
which displays early artifacts of the
"TOWNSHIP'S  MARITIME HERITAGE"

Horton Point Lighthouse is listed in the
"NEW YORK REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES"
and is a
"TOWN OF SOUTHOLD LANDMARK"

This is a wonderful, and very historic place to visit if
your in the area of Long Island's Eastern, and Northern Great Fork.

Just a great lighthouse, and maritime museum.
I added this lighthouse to my site after a visit,
and was quite impressed as to their dedication and commitment,
to its history and the "Nautical Arts"
All they ask is a small donation of 2.00 for there efforts, and
for this will guide you on a wonderful tour.
Its a really nice "relaxed enviroment" with great history.
Please just check them out, you will love it!!!
Paul G Hoffmann

"MUSEUM DIRECTORY"
"ALL DECKS"
"THE WIRELESS STATION"
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