Execution Rocks Light: Difference between revisions
| Line 60: | Line 60: | ||
==Further reading== |
==Further reading== |
||
*Bachand, Robert G. 1989. "Northeast Lights: Lighthouses and Lightships, Rhode Island to Cape Mary, New Jersey." Seasports Publications |
*Bachand, Robert G. 1989. "Northeast Lights: Lighthouses and Lightships, Rhode Island to Cape Mary, New Jersey." Seasports Publications |
||
go to www.lighthouserestorations.org |
|||
== External links == |
== External links == |
||
Revision as of 23:29, 4 February 2009
 Execution Rocks Light | |
 | |
| Location | West end of Long Island sound |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°52′41.9″N 73°44′14.6″W / 40.878306°N 73.737389°W |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1849  |
| Foundation | Dressed stone/timber |
| Construction | Granite with brick lining |
| Automated | 1979 |
| Height | 60 ft (18 m) |
| Shape | Conical tower |
| Heritage | National Register of Historic Places listed place |
| Fog signal | Fog Horn operates from Apr. 1 to Nov. 1. RACON: X (– • • –) Emergency light of reduced intensity when main light is extinguished. HORN: 1 blast ev 15s (2s bl). |
| Racon | X |
| Light | |
| First lit | 1850 |
| Deactivated | Active |
| Focal height | 62 ft (19 m) |
| Lens | Fourth Order Fresnel, 1856 |
| Range | 15 nmi (28 km) |
| Characteristic | Flashing White 10 seconds. |
Execution Rocks Lighthouse is a large lighthouse located in the middle of Long Island Sound between Davids' Island in New Rochelle and Sands Point on Long Island. It stands 55 feet tall, with a flashing white light interval of 10 seconds. Built of granite, the tower is painted white with a brown band around its midsection. Beside it stands a stone keeper's house which has not been inhabited since the beacon became automated.
It is rumored that the lighthouse's site got its name before the American Revolutionary War when British colonial authorities executed people by chaining them to the rocks at low tide, allowing the rising water to drown them. In reality, the name was chosen to reflect the historically dangerous shipping area created by the rocks exposure during low tides [3]. On March 3, 1847, the United States Congress appropriated $25,000 for creation of Execution Rocks Lighthouse. Designed by Alexander Parris, construction was completed in 1849, although it was not lit until 1850. Over the years, it has survived both a fire and a shipwreck.
Although technically part of the city of New Rochelle [4], the island is under the authority of the United States Coast Guard. It remains off limits to the public, and trespassing carries a fine of $600. It can be seen, however, from during the Long Island Lighthouse Society's Spring Cold Coast Cruise. Many people in boats fish near the island, providing a glimpse of the tower.
There is debate about the structure's proper name; some call it "Execution Lighthouse", others "Execution Rocks Lighthouse". The United States Coast Guard Light List , however, records it as "Execution Rocks Light" (list number 21440).[5]
A Daboll trumpet was added to Execution Rocks Light on Jan 25, 1869[6]
On May 29, 2007, the Secretary of the Interior identified Execution Rocks Light Station as surplus under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. The property was described as "Designed and built (1848-49) by Alexander Parris. Six story 72 ft. tower has frustum shape. Cut granite masonry keeper’s dwelling (1867-68) in Gothic Revival style with 2.5 floors, approx. 1000 SF. Early example of “wave swept tower” engineering. On protective rip rap artificial island (approx. 0.3 acre) with small boat basin.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by American Society of Engineers. Property must be maintained according to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Historic covenants will be incorporated into the Quitclaim Deed; however, no submerged land will be conveyed under the Quitclaim Deed.
The U.S. Coast Guard shall retain an easement for an Arc of Visibility and an unrestricted right of access in, to and across the Property to maintain, operate, service, repair and install equipment as necessary to support its aid to navigation mission. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard shall retain the unrestricted right to relocate or add any aids to navigation, or communications towers and equipment (along with necessary right of ingress/egress), or make any changes on any portion of the property as may be necessary for navigation/public safety purposes."[7]
On January 27, 2009, the Secretary of the Interior announced that Execution Rocks Light would be transferred to the Philadelphia-based Historically Significant Structures, which would partner with the Science Museum of Long Island to restore the light.[8]
Chronology
A chronological history of the lighthouse from the United States Coast Guard:[9]
- 1847, March: Congress appropriated $25,000 for the light to be built.
- 1849, May: Construction was completed.
- 1850: The lighthouse was first lit.
- 1856: A fourth order Fresnel lens was installed.
- 1868: The keeper's quarters were added. The keeper no longer had to live in the cramped space inside the tower.
- 1869: Daboll Trumpet added to Execution Rock Light Jan 25, 1869
- 1918. December 8: A fire with an unknown origin caused $13,500 in damages. The engine house and machinery were destroyed, the tower and oil house were damaged and the windows, woodwork, gutters and eaves were also damaged.
- 1979, December 5: The lighthouse was automated. A VEGA lantern replaced the Fresnel lens.
go to www.lighthouserestorations.org
References
- ^ ARLHS World List of Lights
- ^ US Coast Guard Light List, Volume I, Atlantic Coast
- ^ This Fine Piece of Water: An Environmental History of Long Island Sound, By Tom Andersen, page.21
- ^ PRESOL | R | Title Search/Title Certification | 22-Mar-03 - FBO#0477
- ^ Coast Guard 2006 Light List, p. 206, accessed October 31, 2006
- ^ History of American Steam Navigation, John H. Morrison, W. F. Sametz & CO., New York, 1908, pg 579
- ^ Available properties through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program for 2008.
- ^ Newsday, January 27, 2009, "Philly group gets care of Execution Rocks Lighthouse"
- ^ Historic Light Station Information & Photography - New York: Execution Rocks Light, accessed January 31, 2009
Further reading
- Bachand, Robert G. 1989. "Northeast Lights: Lighthouses and Lightships, Rhode Island to Cape Mary, New Jersey." Seasports Publications
go to www.lighthouserestorations.org
External links
- Execution Rocks Lighthouse- from Lighthousefriends.com
- Execution Rocks
- National Park Service, Inventory of Historic Light Stations: New York Lighthouses - Execution Rocks Light
- Historically Significant Structures, Inc. - Photos of Execution Rocks Light
- Science Museum of Long Island
| Topics | |
|---|---|
| Lists by state |
|
| Lists by insular areas | |
| Lists by associated state | |
| Other areas | |
| Related | |
