Watch Hill Lighthouse, situated in the picturesque village of Watch Hill in Westerly, Rhode Island, stands as a testament to the region’s rich maritime heritage. Perched on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Fishers Island Sound, this historic beacon has guided mariners for over two centuries, marking the eastern entrance to the sound and warning of the hazardous reefs nearby.
History of Watch Hill Lighthouse
The origins of Watch Hill Lighthouse trace back to 1745 when the Rhode Island colonial government established a watchtower and beacon during King George’s War to monitor naval activities. This initial structure was destroyed in a storm in 1781.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the location, President Thomas Jefferson authorized the construction of a new lighthouse in 1806. The original 35-foot wooden tower, the second lighthouse built in Rhode Island after Beavertail, was completed in 1807 and lit by ten whale oil lamps with parabolic reflectors. Its first keeper, Jonathan Nash, served 27 years (1808–1834). In 1827, the light was made rotating to differentiate it from the Stonington Harbor Light in Connecticut. By the 1850s, erosion threatened the wooden tower’s stability, prompting the construction of a new granite tower set 50 feet farther back from the bluff. The current 45-foot square granite tower was first lit on February 1, 1856 and remains the active structure today.
Throughout its history, the lighthouse has witnessed significant maritime events, including the tragic sinking of the steamer Metis in 1872, leading to the loss of 130 lives. Keeper Jared Starr Crandall and nine other men — including former keeper Daniel Larkin — manned a lifeboat and a fishing-boat in storm-tossed seas and saved 32 people from the wreck. All ten were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1873 for their heroism. Following Crandall’s death in 1879, his widow Sally Ann (Gavitt) Crandall became the station’s first female keeper, serving until 1888. She was succeeded by another female keeper, Fanny K. Schuyler (1888–1890). The lighthouse was automated on August 31, 1986, when the Coast Guard signed a 30-year lease with the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association, which now operates the museum and maintains the property.
Watch Hill Lighthouse Architecture and Design
The Watch Hill Lighthouse is a 45-foot-tall square granite tower built of rock-faced gray Westerly granite blocks, seamlessly integrated with a two-story brick keeper’s dwelling built the same year (1856). The tower features a cast-iron lantern with a distinctive red roof.
Originally equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse now utilizes a modern VRB-25 lighting system, maintaining its role in navigation with an alternating red and white light every 2.5 seconds, visible up to 14 nautical miles.
The site also includes auxiliary structures such as an oil house constructed in 1855-1856 and a fog signal building from the early 20th century, underscoring its longstanding operational significance.
Location and Surroundings
Nestled on a peninsula in southeastern Rhode Island, Watch Hill Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Fishers Island Sound. The surrounding area is characterized by rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the charming village of Watch Hill, known for its historic homes and upscale boutiques.
Nearby attractions include the Napatree Point Conservation Area, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, and the Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round, one of the oldest continuously operating carousels in the United States.
Visiting Watch Hill Lighthouse
A visit to Watch Hill Lighthouse offers a blend of scenic beauty and historical intrigue.
Getting There
The lighthouse is accessible by foot via a private road. Visitors can park in the village of Watch Hill and enjoy a leisurely walk along Lighthouse Road, which winds past picturesque homes and coastal vistas. Vehicles are permitted on-site only for handicapped individuals and senior citizens.
Visiting Hours
The lighthouse grounds are open to the public daily from 8:00 AM to sunset throughout the year. The on-site museum, housed in the former oil house, operates seasonally, welcoming visitors on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM during July and August, extending through the week after Labor Day.
Admission
Access to both the lighthouse grounds and the museum is free of charge, offering an enriching experience without cost.
Guided Tours
While formal guided tours are not regularly scheduled, the museum provides interpretive exhibits, including the original fourth-order Fresnel lens and historical artifacts, offering insights into the lighthouse’s storied past.
Visitor Guidelines
- Respect all signage and barriers — the lighthouse remains active Coast Guard property.
- Stay on designated trails to protect the coastal bluff and surrounding habitat.
- Be mindful of waves and tides on the rocky shoreline below.
- Park in the village of Watch Hill and walk the private Lighthouse Road; vehicle access is limited to handicapped and senior visitors.
Plan Your Visit
Embarking on a trip to Watch Hill Lighthouse is a journey through maritime history set against the backdrop of Rhode Island’s stunning coastline. Whether you’re captivated by historic architecture, scenic landscapes, or the allure of the sea, the lighthouse and its environs offer a memorable experience for all visitors.