Execution Rocks Light

Infobox Lighthouse


caption = Execution Rocks Light
location = West end of Long Island sound
coordinates = coord|40|52|41.9|N|73|44|14.6|W|region:US_type:landmark
yearlit = 1850
automated = 1979
yeardeactivated = Active
foundation = Dressed stone/timber
construction = Granite with brick lining
shape = Conical White stone tower, brown band midway of height; granite dwelling attached.
height = 60 ft with a focal plane of 62 ft
lens = Fourth Order Fresnel, 1856
range = 15 nmi
characteristic = Flashing White 10 seconds. 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).

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 [This Fine Piece of Water: An Environmental History of Long Island Sound, By Tom Andersen, page.21] . 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 [ [http://www.fbodaily.com/archive/2003/03-March/22-Mar-2003/FBO-00284653.htm PRESOL | R | Title Search/Title Certification | 22-Mar-03 - FBO#0477 ] ] , 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). [ [http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/LightLists/V1COMPLETE.PDF Coast Guard 2006 Light List, p. 206] , accessed October 31, 2006]

Chronology

A chronological history of the lighthouse from the United States Coast Guard: [ [http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/WEBLIGHTHOUSES/LHNY.html Historic Light Station Information & Photography - New York: Execution Rocks Light] , accessed October 31, 2006]
*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.
*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.

References

Further reading

*Bachand, Robert G. 1989. "Northeast Lights: Lighthouses and Lightships, Rhode Island to Cape Mary, New Jersey." Seasports Publications

External links

* [http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=749 Execution Rocks Lighthouse] - from Lighthousefriends.com
* [http://www.longislandlighthouses.com/exrock.htm Execution Rocks]
* [http://www.cr.nps.gov/Maritime/light/execut.htm National Park Service, Inventory of Historic Light Stations: New York Lighthouses - Execution Rocks Light]
* [http://www.lighthouserestorations.org/ Historically Significant Structures, Inc.] - Photos of Execution Rocks Light