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Blackwell Island Lighthouse

🇺🇸Downstate New York, USInactive

Constructed by the government of New York City, this lighthouse was first lit in 1872. The stone structure stands 15 meters tall, with its light positioned at the same focal height. It is situated within Lighthouse Park, at the northern end of Roosevelt Island in the East River. The lighthouse is no longer operational.

Why it matters: The lighthouse was listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places in 1972 and designated a New York City Landmark in 1976.

Background
Blackwell Island Lighthouse (now Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, also formerly Welfare Island Lighthouse) is a stone lighthouse built by the government of New York City in 1872. It is within Lighthouse Park at the northern tip of Roosevelt Island in the East River. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places on March 16, 1972 and was designated a New York City Landmark on March 23, 1976.
Flash Count
1 flash
Focal Height
15m
Year Built
1872
Heritage Status
New York State Register of Historic Places listed place
Tower Height
15m
City
Downstate New York
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
40.7728°
Longitude
-73.9402°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Which ports and harbors does Blackwell Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Blackwell Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Manhattan/New York at 1.4 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Port Morris, Bronx (2 NM NE), Brooklyn/New York (2.4 NM S), Guttenberg (2.8 NM WNW), Guttenberg (2.9 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Blackwell Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Blackwell Island Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
What shipping routes pass near Blackwell Island Lighthouse?+
Blackwell Island 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 Blackwell Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Blackwell Island 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.