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Watch Hill Lighthouse

Fl 2s🇺🇸Rhode Island, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Watch Hill Lighthouse

The Watch Hill Lighthouse was constructed in 1808 and first illuminated in the same year. This stone structure reaches a height of 19 meters, with its light positioned at a focal height of 20.5 meters. It has been operational since its initial lighting. The lighthouse is situated in Rhode Island.

Why it matters: The Watch Hill Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl 2s
Flash Type
Flashing
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
2s
Focal Height
20.5m

Construction & History

Year Built
1808
Heritage Status
2

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q16902974 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m

Location

City
Rhode Island
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.3038°
Longitude
-71.8585°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Watch Hill Lighthouse at night?+
Watch Hill displays the characteristic Fl 2s — 1 flash every 2 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 Watch Hill Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Watch Hill Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is STONINGTON ON RIVER at 2.8 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Stonington (2.8 NM NW), WESTERLY (3.8 NM NNE), Mystic (5.8 NM WNW), Noank (5.9 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Watch Hill Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Watch Hill 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 Watch Hill Lighthouse?+
Watch Hill 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 Watch Hill Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Watch Hill 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.