Fort Niagara Light

Fort Niagara Light is an octagonal limestone tower standing on the shore of Lake Ontario near the mouth of the Niagara River. The structure features black lantern housing and was built with thick limestone walls reinforced by brick on the interior.

The British first established a navigational light at this site in 1782, making it the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes system. This early beacon proved critical for ship navigation through the challenging waters near the river mouth.

The lighthouse collection at the Smithsonian National Museum includes vintage postcards depicting Fort Niagara Light through different time periods.

The lighthouse grounds are open year-round as part of Fort Niagara State Park, though visiting in milder months offers more comfortable conditions. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain can be uneven, and expect wind from the lake, especially near the shore.

The lighthouse once used a fourth-order Fresnel lens to project its light signal across the water, making it visible from considerable distances for mariners. This optical innovation allowed the beacon to serve as a reliable guide for ships navigating the challenging lake waters.

Location: New York

Inception: 1872

GPS coordinates: 43.26170,-79.06330

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41