Located on the easternmost tip of Long Island on its South Fork, the black and white banded lighthouse on Montauk Point has been a beacon on the sea for hundreds of years. The oldest lighthouse in New York, commissioned by General George Washington himself in 1792, this structure still fulfills its original purpose today as it lights the way for the United States Coast Guard.
East of the heavily visited Hamptons, visitors looking for real solitude seek refuge on what is known as "The End," and often take a tour of the picturesque lighthouse sitting on the edge of the shore.
Visitors are allowed to climb to the top of the lighthouse, getting a birds-eye view of the terrain and crashing waves below, and the large light that shines through the night. Spiraling narrow stairs and old, dusty walls may feel claustrophobic, but the view at the top is anything but. Block Island, Connecticut, and Rhode Island is easily visible from this vantage point on a clear day.
Although the lighthouse's interior isn't exactly the sunniest spot on the Island, it had undergone an extensive restoration around a decade ago -- the first in its 200+ year history. This restoration took place in 1998 and was completed in 1999 (a year after its scheduled completion date), after an inspection the year before showed that bulges in the brickwork, water runoff causing droppage, and loose bricks were becoming apparent. There was also "severe corrosion to the metal under the deck at the top of the tower," inspectors claimed, and masons were called in to correct many of these problems.
For those who don't feel a need to experience the climb to appreciate the lighthouse, the 1860s Keepers House is a fully functional small museum commemorating the history of the Montauk Point Lighthouse and Long Island. The Montauk Historical Society opened two new exhibits as recently as 2009, including the Museum Parlor and the Gilmartin Galleries.
The Gilmartin Galleries is the new home for many whaling industry artifacts (a significant trade in Long Island's early history) from the 19th century, including tools that were used during one of the last whale hunts in 1907.
The Museum Parlor currently features the original Congressional authorization, approved by George Washington and signed by Thomas Jefferson himself, approving the construction of the Montauk Point Lighthouse. The second document boasts the signature of the esteemed General documenting the "purchase" of the land from the Montauk people.
Regular displays at the museum showcase art and photography by students of schools out East, and occasional works from local artists.
The rooms that house these exhibits have historical value as well, the 1860 Keeper's Dwelling obviously being used as the museum, and the original keeper's dwelling retaining most of its original features, as well as the additions. The 1838 Keeper's Dwelling, the replacement for the one built in 1796 still stands, but as a barn. The oil house built in 1904 to store fuel for the generators that operated a navy radio station is still present on the grounds, as is the fire control station built during World War II as part of the Eastern Coastal Defense Shield.
For historical photos, visit a brief gallery on the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum & Gift Shop site.
Admission is $6 for adults and seniors; $3 for children for tours of 20 or more. Reservations are required.
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