Montauk Point Lighthouse "The End"

            For generations of immigrants, the Montauk Point Lighthouse was
         their first sight of America, and became as much a symbol of their new
                                        home as the Statue of Liberty                    
                                                                  

Montauk Point was considered such an important and dangerous piece of land

that reportedly President George Washington in 1792 personally ordered construction of a lighthouse there. The U.S. government was following a long line oftradition – according to legend, the Montauket tribe lit signal fires on the point to summon chiefs and warriors to council, usually in dugout canoes made from the trunks of large trees. During the Revolutionary War, British warships blockaded Long Island Sound by laying off Montauk Point, and the British kept large fires burning on the hill to act as a beacon.

All information above provided by : http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=391

The light flashes every 5 seconds and can be seen a distance of 19 nautical miles

First lighthouse in New York State

Fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States

The height of the tower is 110' 6". 

There are 137 iron steps to the top of the tower

 

Montauk Point and its sturdy old tower are the source of much history and the

scene of many marine disasters.  The Indian name for Turtle Hill, upon which the lighthouse stands is "Womponamon," an Algonquan word meaning "to the east" The proud Montauk tribe gave their name to the region and ruled the surrounding tribes. Their sachems called councils by lighting fires on Womponamon, and many of the tribesmen came to them in dugout canoes large enough to hold 18 paddles.

Info above provided by: http://longislandgenealogy.com/lighthouse.html

Over the past 200 years approximately 200' feet of Montauk Point was washed into the Atlantic Ocean. Today the lighthouse stands less than 100 feet from the edge of the bluff.     

Fore more informtaion on erosion please visit: http://www.montauklighthouse.com/erosion.htm
http://www.montauklighthouse.com/donohue.htm
http://www.hamptons.com/News/Main-Articles/8156/Residents-Revive-Heated-Debate-On-Best-Way-To.html

Montauk Point State Park is a perfect place to spend the day. Visit the lighthouse, picnic, hiking trails, nature trails and more. Plenty to do and the view is stunning!

Montauk is my favorite place on earth! It is peaceful and beautiful. Thinking of a weekend away? Check out my favorite hotel. It will make a Montauk experience pure perfection.

http://www.montaukyachtclub.com/

And don't forget to have some delicious homemade Ice-Cream. Make sure to stop at:
 John's Drive-In
 695 Montauk Hwy, Montauk NY 11954   
(631) 668-5515