Thirty Mile Point, NY

Photographer: Roy B. Westin

Thirty Mile Point

Youngstown, New York

Built : 1875

Construction : Square, limestone, integral

Status : Inactive

Height : 61 feet

Location : Golden Hill State Park, New York

Access : Car - From route 18 along the North shore of New York, head North on 269. Follow to Lower Lake Road and turn left (West), continuing to Golden Hill State Park.

Photo courtesy of: U.S. Coast Guard

Lighthouse History : This lighthouse is located 30 miles East of the Niagara river, thus the naming of 30 Mile Point. A hazardous shoal extends Northward out into Lake Ontario from this point. In 1678, French explorer Sieur de La Salle was in command of a 20 ton sailing vessel that foundered on this shoal. In 1780, the , carrying British troops and an army payroll of $15,000, was lost during a blizzard in the same area. A total of 88 lives were lost with the wreck of the H.M.S. Ontario.

A lighthouse was constructed here of limestone on a limestone block foundation. Standing 70 feet high, it's 8 foot diameter cast iron lantern houses a Third Order Fresnel lens that was manufactured in France at a cost of $3533.85. Lit by kerosene, the lens produced a 600,000 candlepower with a visibility range of 18 miles. The keeper's residence was constructed to house a single family. It later received an addition to accommodate two families. The above left photos clearly show the addition with the above right B/W photo taken before the addition. It's day-mark is natural with a white & black lantern capped by a red roof.

In 1885, this became the first lighthouses illuminated by electricity. At that time it became the most powerful light on Lake Ontario.

In 1935, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed control of the station and added a fog signal.

In 1959, the lighthouse was taken out of service. A skeletal steel tower was constructed nearby producing an automated signal in it's place.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation obtained the lightstation from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1984.

Now the centerpiece of New York's Golden Hill State Park, the lighthouse has been completely restored by the staff of the park. The original horse barn is now a garage, and the fog signal building is used by campers of the park as a recreation hall.

Issued in June of 1995, Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse was one of five chosen for the "Lighthouses of the Great Lakes" series postage stamp designed by Howard Koslow.

In 1998, a low power signal began from plastic lens beacon installed in the lantern room serving as a private Aid to Navigation.

Hours: Open from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. for weekend tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

For details call: (716) 795-3885 or (716) 795-3117 off-season). For camping reservations call: 1-800-456-2267 .

The Friends of Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse P.O. Box 20, Barker, NY 14012