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Port Clinton Lighthouse

F🇺🇸Port Clinton, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Port Clinton Lighthouse

The Port Clinton Lighthouse was a round stone tower originally built in 1833 on the west pier at the harbor entrance in Port Clinton, Ohio. It served as a navigational aid guiding vessels into the port on Lake Erie. The lighthouse operated intermittently, with service between 1859 and 1864, and again from 1864 to 1870. The original structure was demolished in 1899. A later structure, also known as Port Clinton Light, was moved to a marina and then restored in Water Works Park, standing at 6.1 meters, making it the shortest lighthouse in the state.

Why it matters: This lighthouse supported the growing maritime trade and local economy of Ottawa County by guiding vessels into Port Clinton's harbor.

Background
Port Clinton Light is a lighthouse in Port Clinton, Ohio, United States at the northern end of Water Works Park. It was previously located on the outer end of the west pier which is located at the city's harbor entrance. This lighthouse has two incarnations that were built with different materials. Only the present structure survives as it was moved to a marina and replaced by a skeleton tower in 1952. The marina then sold the lighthouse back to the city, and it was placed in the park fully restored. At just 20 ft (6.1 m), Port Clinton Light is recorded as the shortest lighthouse in the state.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F
Flash Type
Fixed
Raw Code
F R

Construction & History

Year Built
1833

Significant events: demolished in 1899

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Port Clinton(0.1 km)
ARLHS No.
USA-922
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q43398755 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
stone

Structure: A round stone tower.

Location

City
Port Clinton
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Ohio
Sea Region
Port Clinton, Ottawa County
Latitude
41.5150°
Longitude
-82.9344°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Port Clinton Lighthouse at night?+
Port Clinton displays the characteristic F. 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 Port Clinton Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Port Clinton Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is PORT CLINTON at 0.9 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include LAKESIDE MARBLEHEAD (9.3 NM E), Sandusky, Erie (10.6 NM ESE), Huron (18.8 NM ESE), Huron (18.8 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Port Clinton Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Port Clinton 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 Port Clinton Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Port Clinton 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.