Disclaimer:
Danielle Benjamin is a food and travel writer based in Syracuse, New York. This blog originally appeared on her website, https://wandercuse.com/.
New York State is home to so many unique attractions to visit. And because there are so many major waterways bordering the state, there are plenty of lighthouses to explore! While most of them are no longer in operation, or are automated without lighthouse keepers, they are still fascinating. Plus the views they offer are incredible! On the shores of Lake Ontario, you can enjoy an Oswego Lighthouse tour after a quick boat ride.
The History of the Oswego Lighthouse
Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse was built in 1934 to guide sailors coming into Oswego Harbor. Due to the high winds and ice that are common on Lake Ontario, the lighthouse had to be designed to withstand the elements. Since it was constructed well, it is now the last remaining lighthouse in Oswego out of the four that once were there.
The harbor itself is roughly 100 acres in total, and protected by several breakwaters. The Oswego Lighthouse sits at the end of a half-mile break wall at the mouth of the Oswego River. It sits atop a wooden crib that goes all the way to the bedrock at the bottom of the lake.
The lighthouse saw many different keepers residing there and caring for the building over the years. It was also a site to a tragedy in 1942. The lighthouse keeper at the time got stranded due to a fierce winter storm. When the Coast Guard came to rescue him and station two new keepers, 6 sailors lost their lives when their boat capsized.
Typically there were two lighthouse keepers on duty at any given time, each working 2 days on and 1 day off. That was until 1968 when the lighthouse was automated with LED lights.
