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Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse

Iso W 6s🇺🇸Rhode Island, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse

This round, iron lighthouse stands 18 meters tall with a focal height of 16 meters. Originally lit in 1886, its white tower marks a shoal southeast of Hog Island, at the entrance to Mount Hope Bay. The structure is founded on a circular concrete base set in approximately 3 meters of water and rising about 2 meters above the surface. It replaced a lightship and was automated in 1964. The lighthouse was later sold to a private owner in 2006.

Why it matters: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, this was the last light station formally established in Rhode Island.

Background
Hog Island Shoal Light, built in 1901, is a sparkplug lighthouse on a shoal off of Hog Island, Rhode Island. It is located about 600 feet (180 m) southeast of the island, at the entrance to Mount Hope Bay. It stands on a circular concrete Foundation (engineering) set in about 10 feet (3.0 m) of water, and rising about 6 feet (1.8 m) above the water line. It was built to replace a light ship, and was the last light station formally established in the state. The lighthouse was automated in 1964. In 1988 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2006 the lighthouse was auctioned by the GSA (General Services Administration) as government surplus to a private buyer.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso W 6s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
16m

Construction & History

Year Built
1886
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
J0570
USCG No.
1-18145
ARLHS No.
USA-373
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5876983 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
white
Material
iron

Location

City
Rhode Island
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.6324°
Longitude
-71.2733°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse at night?+
Hog Island Shoal 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 Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is PRUDENCEL FERRY DOCK at 1.6 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include TIVERTON (2.7 NM E), MELVILLE (2.7 NM SSW), Brayton Point (6.2 NM NE), Davisville (6.2 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hog Island Shoal 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 Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse?+
Hog Island Shoal 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 Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hog Island Shoal 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.