Saugerties Lighthouse - SauGERTIES, NY

Current Structure: Construction completed in 1869
Former Structures: 1835
Owning Organization: Owned and operated by the Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy (not-for-profit)
Location: Mouth of the Esopus Creek; Saugerties, NY

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A landmark beacon on the Hudson River, the Saugerties Lighthouse is an operable aid to navigation, constructed in 1869 to warn ships of shallow waters near the mouth of the Esopus Creek. Today, the not-for-profit Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy maintains the lighthouse and adjacent grounds. The restored Lighthouse offers overnight stays, public tours and special events. Furnished as it may have looked in the early 20th century, the lighthouse contains a small museum, gift shop, parlor, kitchen, keepers’ quarters, and two guest bedrooms. The attached tower offers a panoramic view of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains.

VISITING

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The Saugerties Lighthouse can be reached by way of a half-mile nature trail at the end of Lighthouse Drive in the village of Saugerties, New York. A small dock is also available on a limited basis to boaters.

The family-friendly trail winds through stands of native trees and shrubbery, along tidal pools, and through patches of wildflowers—eventually opening onto the majestic Hudson River. Parts of the trail experience tidal flooding on a twice-daily basis. Consult the tide table for more details. For safety, please wear appropriate footwear: natural river debris can be sharp or slippery, and you may encounter ice or snow on the trail in the winter months. 

Whether arriving by trail or by boat, please limit your visit to daylight hours only. Prior arrangements are required for special events, group of more than ten, or exclusive use of the deck area. The interior of the lighthouse is open for scheduled tours on Sunday afternoons in the summer. Otherwise, it is reserved for overnight guests.

*Public use may be interrupted for special events.

TOURS

Docent-guided tours of the interior are available on Sunday afternoons in the summertime from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, from noon to 3 pm. Tours are given every half hour, with the last tour of the day starting at 2:30 pm ($5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children). Off-season, tours may be arranged by advance appointment. Otherwise, the interior of the Lighthouse is reserved for overnight guests. To make an appointment, please call the lighthouse at 845-247-0656.

Please allow approximately 20-minutes, which includes an overview of the history, perusal of the museum, and a view from the operational tower. You may also watch a short documentary detailing the reconstruction efforts. The small museum inside displays images and artifacts of the original lighthouse and the industrial peak of the Saugerties harbor.

History

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From whale oil lamps to herculean renovations, impressive efforts have kept the beacon burning since 1869. The lighthouse was officially occupied by a Keeper and his or her family until it was vacated in 1954. Subsequent decades saw significant damage, prompting a community-driven restoration in the late 20th century. Now, the station is once again housed by a resident Keeper and thrives as a living museum, while traditionally guiding navigation along the Hudson River. Learn more about the history of the lighthouse by watching the short videos below, or visiting the website.

KEepers

 First Saugerties Lighthouse (1835-1868)
1835 - Abraham Persons
1838 - George Keys
1842 - Joseph H. Burhans
1845 - Abraham E. Schoonmaker
1846 - Dorcas Schoonmaker
1849 - Joseph H. Burhans
1853 - Christopher Reed
1857 - James Tanner
1862 - Dennis Crowley
1865 - Daniel Crowley

Second Saugerties Lighthouse (1869-1954)
1865 - Daniel Crowley
1873 - Katie A. Crowley
1885 - James Crowley
1895 - Theodore DeShong
1908 - William F. Anchele
1909 - Julius B. Young
1914 - Conrad Hawk
1940 - Cyrus L. Gray
1942 - H.H. Carlson
1943 - Harold D. Fischer
1944 - Thomas Walker
1950 - Edward Pastorini
Station Closed, 1954
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OPPORTUNITIES

Learn how you can help preserve the Saugerties Lighthouse by donating, becoming a supporting member, or volunteering your time.

CONTACT

Website:
www.saugertieslighthouse.com

Email:
[email protected]

Mailing address: 
Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy
PO Box 654 
Saugerties, NY 12477

Visiting address:
168 Lighthouse Drive
Saugerties, NY 12477

Phone:
(845) 247-0656

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