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Dutch Island Lighthouse

Fl R 6s🇺🇸Rhode Island, USInactive

Location & Light Range

About Dutch Island Lighthouse

A cylindrical brick tower, 13 meters tall, was constructed in 1826 on Dutch Island. Its focal height reaches 17 meters, and it was originally painted red. The light itself was red and flashed, though its operational status is now false. This structure was built to help guide ships entering Dutch Island Harbor and navigate the west passage of Narragansett Bay.

Why it matters: The Dutch Island Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance.

Background
Dutch Island Light is a historic lighthouse on Dutch Island off Jamestown, Rhode Island. In 1825 the federal government acquired 6 acres (2.4 ha) at the southern end of the island, and on January 1, 1827, Dutch Island Light was established to mark the west passage of Narragansett Bay and to aid vessels entering Dutch Island Harbor. The first 30-foot (9.1 m) tower was built of stones found on the island. The government constructed a new 42-foot (13 m) brick tower in 1857 with a fog bell added in 1878.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl R 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1826
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
J0621
USCG No.
1-19101
ARLHS No.
USA-250
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5317318 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
brick

Location

City
Rhode Island
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.4967°
Longitude
-71.4042°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Dutch Island Lighthouse at night?+
Dutch Island displays the characteristic Fl R 6s — 1 red flash every 6 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. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Dutch Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Dutch Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is SAUNDERSTOWN at 0.9 NM to the NW. Other ports served include FORT WETHERILL STATE (2.4 NM ESE), Newport (3.2 NM E), Newport (3.6 NM ESE), WICKFORD (5.2 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Dutch Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Dutch 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 Dutch Island Lighthouse?+
Dutch 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 Dutch Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Dutch 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.