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Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse Lighthouse

Iso W 6s🇺🇸Fairport Harbor/Lake Erie, OH, USOperational

This lighthouse guides mariners on Lake Erie near the mouth of the Grand River. Constructed in 1925, the structure stands 13 meters tall with its focal plane at 17 meters above water. It emits a white light on an automated system. The lighthouse is situated at the end of a breakwater, accessible by walking along the structure. Community efforts have aimed to preserve the facility for the future, though the U.S. Coast Guard continues to maintain its navigational function.

Why it matters: This lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 10, 1992, acknowledging its historical significance.

Background
The Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light is a lighthouse on Lake Erie located at the end of a breakwater near the mouth of the Grand River in the U.S. state of Ohio. Along with the Fairport Harbor Light, it is one of two lighthouses near Fairport Harbor and was built in 1925 to replace the other located within the village. The light is automated and closed to the public. However, it is possible to walk out along the breakwater to view the structure and grounds. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 10, 1992. In 2006, an effort began by a group of community activists to take ownership of the lighthouse with the goal of preserving the facility for future generations. The United States Coast Guard will continue to maintain the light and foghorn as a navigational aid. In September 2009, the United States General Services Administration put the lighthouse up for public auction via an online auction. After two more auctions, a bidder secured the lighthouse in August 2011 and converted it into a summer residence.
Characteristic Signature
Iso W 6s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
17m
Light Range
13NM (24.1 km)
Year Built
1925
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place
Tower Height
13m
City
Fairport Harbor/Lake Erie, OH
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.7667°
Longitude
-81.2667°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How far offshore can Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 17 meters and a nominal range of 13 nautical miles (approximately 24.1 km), Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse Lighthouse at night?+
Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse displays the characteristic Iso W 6s — 1 white 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.
Which ports and harbors does Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Fairport Harbor Village at 0.7 NM to the SW. Other ports served include WEST RIVER (1.9 NM SSW), MENTOR HARBOR (4.3 NM SW), East Lake (10.8 NM SW), Thompson (10.9 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse 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 Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse 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.