Barcelona Light, Historic lighthouse in Westfield, United States.
Barcelona Light is a stone tower standing on the shore of Lake Erie near Westfield, designed to guide ships through coastal waters. The structure includes a keeper's cottage at its base and functions as a historic site open to visitors.
The lighthouse was built in the early 1800s after Congress approved funding in 1828 to protect ships on the lake. It began operation in 1829 and became an important aid to maritime safety in the region.
The lighthouse reflects how communities adapted to Lake Erie's shipping traffic and built infrastructure to support maritime trade. The keeper's cottage nearby shows the daily life of those who maintained the light.
The grounds are open year-round without admission charges, with parking available nearby at Barcelona Harbor and the town lot. Visitors should check weather conditions before coming, as coastal weather can change and affect site accessibility.
This lighthouse was the first in the world to use natural gas for its light, drawing fuel from a natural burning spring nearby. This innovation represented an early example of harnessing local resources for technology.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
