12 of the Oldest Lighthouses in the US Still Shining Bright

Lighthouses have been crucial in maritime history, guiding ships to safe harbors for centuries.

Did you know that the United States is home to more lighthouses than any other country in the world? With over 670 lighthouses dotting its shores, America boasts a rich lighthouse heritage that spans from the colonial era to the present day.¹

Here are some of the oldest and most fascinating lighthouses in the United States that continue to shine their guiding light for modern seafarers.

1. Boston Light, Massachusetts (1716)

Perched on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor, the Boston Light holds the distinction of being the first lighthouse built in what is now the United States. This historic beacon was constructed in 1716.

• Originally built from rubble stone, it was later reconstructed using brick and stone.
• The lighthouse stands 89 feet tall and is equipped with a second-order Fresnel lens.
• It is the only remaining U.S. lighthouse that still has an official keeper.

2. Sandy Hook Lighthouse, New Jersey (1764)

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse, located on the Sandy Hook peninsula in New Jersey, has been a steadfast guardian of the treacherous waters where the Atlantic Ocean meets the New York Harbor since 1764. This octagonal sandstone structure has withstood the test of time and continues to guide vessels to safety.

• It is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.
• The lighthouse stands 103 feet tall and features a third-order Fresnel lens.
• The lighthouse was crucial in defending New York Harbor during the American Revolution.

3. Cape Henlopen Lighthouse, Delaware (1767)

Situated at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse has been a welcoming sight for mariners since 1767. This striking octagonal structure, built from stone and brick, has endured hurricanes, nor’easters, and even enemy fire during World War II.

• The lighthouse stands 93 feet tall and is equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens.
• It was one of the first lighthouses to receive a Fresnel lens in 1841.
• The lighthouse grounds are now part of Cape Henlopen State Park.

4. Portland Head Light, Maine (1791)

Majestically standing on the rugged shores of Cape Elizabeth, the Portland Head Light has been a symbol of Maine’s maritime heritage since 1791. Commissioned by George Washington, this iconic lighthouse has guided countless ships safely into Portland Harbor.

• The lighthouse tower stands 80 feet tall and is constructed of rubble stone.
• It features a fourth-order Fresnel lens and a distinctive red roof.
• The keeper’s quarters now house a museum showcasing the lighthouse’s rich history.

5. Montauk Point Lighthouse, New York (1796)

The Montauk Point Lighthouse, located on the easternmost point of Long Island, has been a beacon of hope for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Atlantic since 1796. This stately structure was built from sandstone blocks and has withstood the test of time.

• The lighthouse stands 110 feet tall and features a first-order Fresnel lens.
• It is the fourth-oldest active lighthouse in the United States.
• The lighthouse grounds are now a state park, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

6. Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia (1792)

Standing sentinel at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, the Cape Henry Lighthouse has been guiding ships to safety since 1792. This octagonal sandstone structure, commissioned by George Washington, has witnessed the growth and development of the United States Navy and the bustling port of Norfolk.

• The lighthouse stands 90 feet tall and features a first-order Fresnel lens.
• It played a crucial role in the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces vying for control.
• The original lighthouse was replaced by a new structure in 1881, but the historic tower still stands nearby.

7. Ocracoke Lighthouse, North Carolina (1823)

The Ocracoke Lighthouse, located on the remote Outer Banks of North Carolina, has been a welcome sight for mariners navigating the treacherous shoals of the Atlantic since 1823. This stately white tower, built from brick, continues to guide vessels through the shifting sands of the Outer Banks.

• The lighthouse stands 75 feet tall and features a fourth-order Fresnel lens.
• It is the second-oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.
• The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

8. St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida (1824)

The St. Augustine Lighthouse, perched on the shores of Anastasia Island, has been a guiding light for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Florida coast since 1824. This striking black and white striped tower, built from brick and coquina stone, has withstood hurricanes, wars, and the relentless march of time.

• The lighthouse stands 165 feet tall and features a first-order Fresnel lens.
• It is the oldest surviving brick structure in St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city.
• The lighthouse grounds now feature a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the keepers who kept the light burning.

9. Pensacola Lighthouse, Florida (1825)

Standing guard over the entrance to Pensacola Bay, the Pensacola Lighthouse has been a beacon of hope for sailors navigating the Gulf Coast since 1825. This striking white tower, built from brick, has witnessed the growth of the U.S. Navy and the development of Pensacola as a major port.

• The lighthouse stands 150 feet tall and features a first-order Fresnel lens.
• It played a crucial role in the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the tower at different times.
• The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

10. Point Pinos Lighthouse, California (1855)

The Point Pinos Lighthouse, located on the rugged shores of the Monterey Peninsula, has been guiding ships along the perilous California coast since 1855. This squat stone structure, built from local granite, is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast.

• The lighthouse stands 43 feet tall and features a third-order Fresnel lens.
• It has withstood earthquakes, storms, and the relentless pounding of the Pacific Ocean.
• The lighthouse grounds are now a public park, offering stunning views of the rocky coastline.

11. Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Washington (1856)

Perched on the rugged cliffs of Cape Disappointment State Park, the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse has been guiding ships through the treacherous waters where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean since 1856. This stately white tower is built from brick and stucco.

• The lighthouse stands 53 feet tall and features a first-order Fresnel lens.
• It played a crucial role in the development of the Pacific Northwest, guiding ships laden with lumber and other goods to port.
• The lighthouse grounds are now part of Cape Disappointment State Park, offering hiking trails, beaches, and stunning views of the Pacific.

12. Point Bonita Lighthouse, California (1855)

The Point Bonita Lighthouse, located on a rugged promontory in the Marin Headlands, has been guiding ships through the waters of the Golden Gate since 1855. This unique lighthouse, accessed by a suspension bridge, has withstood the fierce winds and pounding waves of the Pacific for over a century and a half.

• The lighthouse stands 56 feet tall and features a second-order Fresnel lens.
• It played a crucial role in the development of San Francisco as a major port, guiding ships laden with gold and other goods to the city.
• The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, and is open to the public for tours.

These 12 lighthouses stand as enduring symbols of our nation’s maritime heritage, their steadfast beams continuing to guide sailors home. As you gaze upon their weathered facades and hear the whisper of the waves against their sturdy foundations, take a moment to reflect on the countless lives they’ve safeguarded and the stories they’ve witnessed throughout the centuries.

Source:

1. Guinness World Records