Jeffrey’s Hook Lighthouse – New York City, New York

Jeffrey’s Hook Little Red Light House – Under the Eastern End of the George Washing Bridge, New York

Sitting underneath the George Washington Bridge along the Hudson River is the Little Red Lighthouse, formerly known as Jeffrey’s Hook.  It is one of the few remaining lighthouses in New York City.  The lighthouse was never one of the big ocean warning lighthouses, it was actually just a red pole that was placed at Jeffrey’s Hook jutting over the river to warn sailors of the dangers of becoming shipwrecked at this location.  In 1889, two 10 candlepower lanterns were placed on the pole to aid navigation.

The lighthouse was actually used until 1931 when the George Washington Bridge opened and the lights from the bridge were brighter than the battery powered lamp in the lighthouse.  The lighthouse was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1948.

The Little Red Lighthouse was going to be auctioned off but the citizens of the area came together and had such an outcry that it was determined to leave it as it was.  In 1979 the Little Red Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The lighthouse was restored to its grand appearance with a $209,000 renovation in 1986.  The red paint is true to the original historic color and stands proudly near the rivers edge.

There is an annual festival held at the lighthouse in September with celebrity readings of “The Little Red Lighthouse” and the “Great Gray Bridge” along with other activities geared towards children.

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