Prudence Island Light

Prudence Island Light is an octagonal granite tower on Sandy Point that rises on Prudence Island to guide maritime traffic. The structure stands approximately 28 feet tall and features a distinctive tapering design typical of lighthouse construction from the early 19th century.

The tower was built in 1823 on Goat Island and relocated to Prudence Island in 1851. This structure represents one of Rhode Island's oldest lighthouse towers and reflects the region's long maritime shipping history.

Native Americans named the location Chibacoweda, meaning little place separated by passage, reflecting their understanding of the maritime landscape.

The lighthouse is visible from Sandy Point, where visitors can get a good view of Narragansett Bay and its maritime surroundings. It is best visited during daylight hours with clear weather to see the structure and the water channel it once monitored.

The lighthouse retains its original bird-cage lantern, a design style that survives in only a few examples across the United States. This preserved original feature makes it a window into early lighthouse technology and maritime engineering practices.

Location: Portsmouth

Inception: 1852

Height: 8.5 m

GPS coordinates: 41.60586,-71.30353

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45