Coxsackie Light

Coxsackie Light is a brick lighthouse with a square red tower and granite trim located on the northern tip of Low Island in the Hudson River. The structure stood about 32 feet (10 meters) tall and served as a navigation aid for more than a century before operations ceased.

The lighthouse was built in 1830 to help ships navigate through the narrow channel between Rattlesnake Island and the eastern shore of the Hudson. It operated for more than 110 years before operations ended in 1940.

The red brick tower became a familiar landmark for river captains and residents who depended on it to navigate safely through the Hudson. Its striking color and position made it one of the most recognizable maritime guides in the region.

The original location is visible from boats on the Hudson River, where a metal light tower at the Coxsackie Yacht Club now stands in its place. The best view of the site is from the water during a boat ride along the river.

The structure survived a recorded earthquake in 1886 without sustaining damage, even though the ground shook for roughly one minute. This resilience reflected the solid construction methods that allowed builders in the 1800s to create a building capable of withstanding powerful natural forces.

Location: Greene County

Inception: 1830

GPS coordinates: 42.37970,-73.79470

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:23