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Colchester Reef Lighthouse

Fl W 4s🇺🇸Vermont, USOperational

Built in 1871, the Colchester Reef Light marked a hazard on Lake Champlain. Its focal plane stood 16 meters above the water, emitting a white light. This structure was commissioned by the United States Lighthouse Service to guide vessels away from submerged dangers. Specifically, it protected against the Colchester Reef, Colchester Shoals, and Hogback Reef. The lighthouse was later relocated to the Shelburne Museum in 1956.

Why it matters: This lighthouse was established to warn ships navigating Lake Champlain of the "Middle Bunch Reef" formation.

Background
The Colchester Reef Light in Vermont was a lighthouse off Colchester Point (northwest of Burlington, Vermont) in Lake Champlain. It was moved to the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont, in 1956. In 1869 the United States Lighthouse Service commissioned the building of the Colchester Reef Lighthouse on Lake Champlain to protect ships from the "Middle Bunch Reef", comprising the Colchester Reef, the Colchester Shoals, and the Hogback Reef.
Characteristic Signature
Fl W 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s
Focal Height
16m
City
Vermont
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
44.5550°
Longitude
-73.3291°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Colchester Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Colchester Reef displays the characteristic Fl W 4s — 1 white flash every 4 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 Colchester Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Colchester Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is MALLETTS BAY at 4.4 NM to the E. Other ports served include LAKE CHAMPLAIN SAIL (6.3 NM SE), Burlington (6.6 NM SE), Winooski (7 NM SE), LAKE CHAMPLAIN (9.2 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Colchester Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Colchester Reef 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.
How can I track vessels near Colchester Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Colchester Reef 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.