Plum Island Light

Plum Island Light is a granite lighthouse located at the western end of Plum Island in Long Island Sound, standing approximately 55 feet (17 meters) tall. It was equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens to help guide ships safely through the waters.

The first lighthouse on this site began operations in 1827 with whale oil lamps before the current granite structure was built in 1869. After Fort Terry was established on the island in 1897, the lighthouse operated closely with the military installation.

The lighthouse stands as a reminder of the maritime heritage that once defined this coastal area and its importance for seafaring communities. Visitors can view the original Fresnel lens at the East End Seaport Museum in Greenport to understand how this technology shaped navigation history.

The lighthouse is located on Plum Island and is not freely accessible to the public as it falls under Department of Homeland Security jurisdiction. Visitors can explore its history and technology from nearby viewpoints on the mainland or by visiting the museum that houses its original lens.

The lighthouse shares a unique operational history with Fort Terry, a military installation on the same island, where both structures played roles in coastal defense and navigation. This blend of civilian and military functions made this location particularly important during the early 20th century.

Location: New York

GPS coordinates: 41.17367,-72.21152

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:03