Block Island North Light, Granite lighthouse at Sandy Point, New Shoreham, United States
Block Island North Light is an octagonal granite tower standing 17 meters tall at the northern tip of the island, built from stone and iron to guide ships through treacherous waters. Inside, a maritime museum holds navigation tools and local artifacts that tell the story of seafaring in this region.
The current structure was built in 1867 after three earlier lighthouses at this location had been lost or abandoned. This succession of towers reflects ongoing efforts to maintain a reliable guide for ships at this hazardous point.
This light tower served as a vital guide for boats navigating the waters around Block Island, making it central to the lives of fishing communities that depended on safe passage. The structure represents how coastal people organized their relationship with the sea through maritime infrastructure.
The tower opens seasonally, with longer hours during summer months and limited access in cooler seasons. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since climbing stairs to the top is part of the experience.
The light is powered by renewable energy, using wind generators and solar panels to operate its beacon. This green approach shows how historical sites can adapt to modern environmental practices while maintaining their original purpose.
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