This lighthouse was built in 1903 to mark the south entrance to the port of Buffalo. The tower was built of iron on a concrete crib and contained a fourth-order Fresnel lens. At the time, the station even had its own horn-style fog signal in a separate building which was attached to the tower by an enclosed passageway.
The tower would be manned for about 22 years before it was automated in 1935. At some point, the fourth-order Fresnel lens was removed from this tower, and a 300mm optic was installed along the railing of the lighthouse. However, in 1993, this optic was removed, and a separate pole-style light was erected near the tower. (This is visible in the picture)
The lighthouse is closed to the public, and the grounds are still owned by the Coast Guard. All of the land surrounding the lighthouse is private property, so viewing is best by boat, or with a telephoto lens. From what I have read, the original fourth-order Fresnel lens is now in the Buffalo Main Lighthouse.
Directions: Located in South Buffalo along Fuhrmann Blvd. and Tift Street. It sits on private property along the outer breakwall. It is visible from Fuhrmann Blvd, although not very well without the use of a telephoto lens. My photo above was taken with the use of a 1000mm telephoto. A better view would be from the water.
To rate this lighthouse, click on a number below: 
Lighthouse Rating: 5.47
[ Home ]