Cold Spring Harbor Light

Cold Spring Harbor Light is a square wooden tower with a pyramidal roof situated near Long Island's northern shore. The structure features a simple geometric design and now stands on private property, about a mile southwest of its original offshore location.

The lighthouse began operations in 1890 and marked the harbor entrance for maritime traffic using a Fresnel lens. It was deactivated in 1965 after more than seven decades of guiding vessels through this important waterway.

Maritime keepers maintained the lighthouse through decades, including William Murray and Louis Brown, who managed its critical navigation functions.

The tower stands on private property and is not directly accessible to visitors, but its distinctive form is visible from various public areas nearby. You can explore the surrounding neighborhood to catch glimpses of it from a distance and learn more about the region's maritime heritage.

After deactivation, the entire structure was purchased for a single dollar and transported from its offshore position to a residential lawn. This unusual rescue from decay allowed the tower to survive as an odd relic of the area's maritime past.

Location: Long Island

GPS coordinates: 40.91417,-73.49310

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23