Barcelona Light

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.

Location: Chautauqua County

Inception: 1829

Height: 12 m

Made from material: stone

Operator: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Address: East Lake Road

GPS coordinates: 42.34110,-79.59479

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:43