Cumberland Head Light

Cumberland Head Light is a lighthouse on Lake Champlain in New York, featuring a white structure with a red top that can be seen from considerable distances. The building has a conical shape and stands out clearly against the surrounding landscape when viewed from boats or nearby shoreline locations.

The lighthouse was built in 1838 using local rubble limestone and underwent major reconstruction in 1868. This overhaul resulted in a new conical tower made of blue limestone that shaped the site for many years afterward.

The lighthouse appears on the official seal of Plattsburgh Town since 1984, reflecting its role as a symbol of maritime heritage for the Lake Champlain community. This recognition shows how deeply it is connected to local identity.

The building is privately owned and not open to the public, but you can view it from boats on Lake Champlain or from nearby shoreline spots. The best views come from the water, especially on clear days.

The structure received a fourth-order Fresnel lens in 1856, which represented a major technological advancement. This optical innovation was a significant improvement in navigation technology for sailors on Lake Champlain.

Location: Cumberland Head

GPS coordinates: 44.69152,-73.38520

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:08