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Fort Ontario Lighthouse

Fl White 2s🇺🇸City of Oswego, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Fort Ontario Lighthouse

This octagonal, red-shingled wooden tower stands 10 meters tall, with its lantern and gallery mounted atop the roof of a 2-1/2 story fieldstone keeper's house. First lit in 1838, the lighthouse's operational life was interrupted in 1858, and it subsequently served as a lifesaving station. After being sold at auction in 1895, it was incorporated into a hotel. Private restoration efforts began in 1987, leading to its reactivation in 1989. The structure, located 0.3 km from Oswego on Port Ontario at the Salmon River, continues to welcome the public.

Why it matters: As one of the nation's oldest integral lighthouses, it has survived without significant modification since its 1838 construction, retaining its original birdcage lantern.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 2s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
2s
Raw Code
Fl W 2s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1822
First Lit
1838

Significant events: deactivated 1858, used as a lifesaving station, sold at auction 1895, operated as part of a hotel, privately restored beginning in 1987, reactivated 1989, placed for sale 2003, renovated and improved

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
red-shingled
Material
wood

Structure: A 10m octagonal red-shingled tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on the roof of a 2-1/2 story fieldstone keeper's house.

Location

City
City of Oswego
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
New York
Sea Region
Port Ontario, Salmon River
Latitude
43.4647°
Longitude
-76.5089°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Oswego(0.3 km)
USCG No.
7-2015
ARLHS No.
USA-719
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Fort Ontario Lighthouse at night?+
Fort Ontario displays the characteristic Fl White 2s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Fort Ontario Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Fort Ontario Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Oswego at 0.5 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Mexico (11.7 NM ENE), RED CREEK (12.5 NM SW), PHOENIX TOWN WALL (17 NM SSE), NORTH SANDY POND (17.2 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Fort Ontario Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Fort Ontario 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 Fort Ontario Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Fort Ontario 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.