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Cold Spring Harbor Lighthouse

F WR🇺🇸Downstate New York, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cold Spring Harbor Lighthouse

This lighthouse began operation in 1890. The structure stands 11 meters tall with its focal plane at the same elevation. It emits a white and red light. The original purpose of the lighthouse was to mark a shoal situated at the entrance to Cold Spring Harbor on Long Island's north shore. The station was deactivated in 1965, and the original tower and light were relocated to a private site approximately one mile southwest.

Background
Cold Spring Harbor Light was a lighthouse located in Cold Spring Harbor on the north shore of New York's Long Island. It was built in 1890 to mark a shoal at the entrance to Cold Spring Harbor. After the lighthouse was deactivated in 1965, the original light and tower were purchased by a private individual and moved to its current location on land, one mile (1.6 km) to the southwest. An automated light tower and day beacon were erected on the original caisson, and continue to serve as a navigation aid.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F WR
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
1 flash
Focal Height
11m

Construction & History

Year Built
1890

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5142360 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m

Location

City
Downstate New York
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
40.9141°
Longitude
-73.4931°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cold Spring Harbor Lighthouse at night?+
Cold Spring Harbor displays the characteristic F WR. 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. The wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cold Spring Harbor Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cold Spring Harbor Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is OYSTER BAY at 2.8 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Cold Spring Harbor (3.3 NM SSE), HUNTINGTON (3.5 NM ESE), Upper Brookville (5.5 NM SSW), CENTERPORT (6.1 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cold Spring Harbor Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cold Spring Harbor 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 Cold Spring Harbor Lighthouse?+
Cold Spring Harbor 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 Cold Spring Harbor Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cold Spring Harbor 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.