Montauk Point Lighthouse - Lighthouse Facts

Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum & Gift Shop

LIGHTHOUSE FACTS

The Montauk Historical Society owns and maintains the Montauk Point Lighthouse. The society's continuing efforts to preserve this historic monument and its history are only made possible by continuing generous contributions to the Lighthouse Fund.

National Historic Landmark in recognition
of the significant role played by the lighthouse in American maritime history.
Authorized by the Second Congress in 1792, under President George Washington
Construction began on June 7, 1796 and was completed on November 5, 1796
First lighthouse in New York State
Fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States
Foundation is 13'deep and 9' thick
Constructed of sandstone blocks from Connecticut, 8" high and varying in length from 18" high to 44"
The walls are 6' thick at the base tapering to 3' thick at the top
The height of the tower is 110' 6"
There are 137 iron steps to the top of the tower
The light flashes every 5 seconds and can be seen a distance of 19 nautical miles