Westerly, Rhode Island

Watch Hill Lighthouse, a historic sentinel, stands proudly at the entrance to Fishers Island Sound in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Its history dates back to 1745.

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Watch Hill Lighthouse: A Beacon of History and Resilience in Westerly, Rhode Island

Watch Hill Lighthouse, a historic sentinel, stands proudly at the entrance to Fishers Island Sound in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Its story is one of both watchfulness and adaptation.

Sentinel of Security

The origins of Watch Hill's lighthouse date back to 1745 when the first watchtower and beacon were erected at this peninsula in Watch Hill. This first tower wasn't your typical lighthouse; its primary function was to alert local residents to potential naval invasions rather than to guide ships. Throughout the 1750s, during the French and Indian Wars, the tower played a crucial role in monitoring French pirates who threatened local fishermen and commerce ships. When a pirate ship was detected, signals were sent to nearby seafarers, including a smoke flare by day and a controlled fire by night. However, in 1781, a storm damaged this initial tower.

The Birth of a Lighthouse

Following the destruction of the initial tower, mariners expressed the need for a true lighthouse on the Watch Hill peninsula. This lighthouse would serve the dual purpose of aiding navigation through Fishers Island Sound and warning ships of a treacherous reef southwest of Watch Hill. In 1806, President Thomas Jefferson signed an act authorizing the construction of the lighthouse, which was completed in 1807. The first lighthouse stood at 35 feet tall, and in 1827, to distinguish it from Stonington Harbor Light in Connecticut, a revolving light was installed. Erosion led to its retirement in 1855, and it was relocated further inland. The lighthouse we see today was built in 1856 and still stands as a testament to its enduring legacy.

The current Watch Hill Lighthouse employs a fourth-order Fresnel lens to emit a steady white light. This granite lighthouse rises 45 feet tall and is anchored by a sturdy granite foundation. Over time, additional structures, including a keeper's residence, were added to enhance the site. A robust seawall and a fog signal building were also constructed in later years.

Preserving History

The modernization of Watch Hill Lighthouse came in 1986 when the Fresnel lens was replaced by an automated beacon. Its light now alternates red and white every 5 seconds. The entire property was leased to the Watch Hill Lightkeepers Association, a non-profit organization established in 1986 with the mission of safeguarding and preserving this historic site. An endowment was established to ensure its long-term protection. On August 31, 1986, a significant "Change of the Watch" ceremony marked the beginning of the association's thirty-year lease from the Coast Guard.

A Beacon for All

Today, Watch Hill Lighthouse welcomes visitors year-round via a private road, accessible by foot. However, only handicapped individuals and senior citizens are permitted to drive directly to the lighthouse. Parking is available in the charming village of Watch Hill, just a short walk from Larkin Road, which leads to the lighthouse. While the interior of the lighthouse and its surrounding structures are not open to the public, the site remains a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and sightseers alike. In July and August, the museum opens its doors from 1-3 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, as well as during the week following Labor Day. Leashed dogs are also welcome to visit Watch Hill Lighthouse, making it a delightful outing for families and their four-legged friends.

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Locations

Address:
14 Lighthouse Road, Westerly, Rhode Island

GPS Coordinates:
41.303941, -71.858595
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
The Lighthouse is accessible by foot via a private road and is available all year from 8 a.m. to sunset. Only handicapped and senior citizens are allowed to drive to the lighthouse and park. Parking for everyone else is ample in the village of Watch Hill, which is just a short walk from Larkin Road, which leads to the lighthouse.

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