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Beavertail Lighthouse

Fl W 9s🇺🇸Rhode Island, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Beavertail Lighthouse

Constructed in 1749, Beavertail Lighthouse stands as a white tower measuring 14 meters in height. Its focal plane reaches 21 meters above sea level. The lighthouse emits a white flash, providing a geographic range of 15 nautical miles. The current structure dates from 1859, replacing an earlier tower from 1749.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 9s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
9s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
21m
Light Range
15NM (27.8 km)
Geographic Range
15NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1749
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q4878261 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Rhode Island
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.4494°
Longitude
-71.3994°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Beavertail Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 21 meters and a nominal range of 15 nautical miles (approximately 27.8 km), Beavertail is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Beavertail Lighthouse at night?+
Beavertail displays the characteristic Fl W 9s — 1 white flash every 9 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Beavertail Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Beavertail Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is FORT WETHERILL STATE at 2.6 NM to the NE. Other ports served include SAUNDERSTOWN (3.7 NM NNW), Newport (3.8 NM ENE), Newport (4.2 NM NE), POINT JUDITH NORTH (4.5 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Beavertail Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Beavertail Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Beavertail Lighthouse?+
Beavertail Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Beavertail Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Beavertail Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.