Bullock's Point Light

Bullock's Point Light is a lighthouse built on a large shoal in Providence River to guide ships through the waterway. The structure featured a wood-frame house with a lantern rising from its center roof to emit navigational signals.

The lighthouse was built in 1876 following unsuccessful earlier attempts to mark the area with daymarks and portable beacons. It served the river until being decommissioned and replaced by a new navigation system in 1939.

The lighthouse keepers maintained maritime safety traditions, with Andrew Zuius continuing operations even during the destructive hurricane of 1938.

The structure was about 35 feet (11 meters) tall and used a sixth-order Fresnel lens to produce its light signal. Visitors should note that the lighthouse no longer stands and the site is best viewed from the Providence River area or nearby shoreline access.

Keeper William Tengren performed a notable rescue in 1918, saving four people from a capsized boat near the lighthouse. This event shows how lighthouse keepers actively contributed to water safety beyond simply maintaining the light signal.

Location: Rhode Island

Inception: 1876

GPS coordinates: 41.73770,-71.36420

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:12