Blackwell Island Light

Blackwell Island Light is an octagonal lighthouse made from gray gneiss stone, standing 15 meters tall with a pointed Gothic arch entrance. The structure sits within Lighthouse Park and provides views across the East River toward the surrounding waterways.

The lighthouse was built in 1872 by incarcerated workers who quarried and shaped stone from the island itself. It served to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters near Hell Gate.

The structure represents the combined work of architect James Renwick Jr. and incarcerated workers who labored on the island itself. Visitors can still observe traces of this unusual partnership in the stonework and craftsmanship throughout the building.

The lighthouse site sits within a park that is freely accessible and easily explored on foot. Visit on a clear day to fully enjoy the views across the river and surrounding area.

Carved marks on the stone base bear witness to the prison labor that made construction possible. These visible inscriptions tell the unusual story of how incarcerated workers shaped this landmark.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1872

Architects: James Renwick Jr.

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Height: 15 m

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 40.77278,-73.94017

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40