Block Island’s Southeast Lighthouse is only steps away from the Mohegan Bluffs. This makes it easy to see both attractions in the same day.
For those who follow the travel site know me and for you who don’t, my name is Anthony. I will be your guide and narrator for today’s adventure.
I was excited to find out there was a lighthouse on the island. Again, for those who follow me know that I am a lighthouse fanatic. We have explored many of these beckons of light nationally and internationally.
Initially in 1856, Congress granted Block Island $9,000 to build a new Southeast Lighthouse. But instead, the funds were diverted and used to rebuild the North Light after being washed away in a horrific storm. Finally in 1874, the construction on a 52 foot tall Southeast lighthouse was completed and illuminated in February of 1875. Before ships were equipped with various guidance systems, lighthouses were needed to help Captains navigate through treacherous channels and dangerous shorelines.
When I first laid eyes on this unique lighthouse, I was amazed at it’s Gothic styled architecture. Most of the towers I have seen were traditionally nautical in appearance. I was also captivated with the cast iron parapet {walk around} just below the lantern. It’s noted that Block Island’s Southeast Lighthouse was one of the most sophisticated designs of the 19th Century.
The Keepers House is attached for easy access to the light tower and its lantern. Both wings of the house have their own kitchen, bedrooms and family area. One wing is for the Keeper and the other for the assistant. The home itself has gone through several renovations which included indoor plumbing {1938} and a storm resistant roof.
Like other 19th Century lanterns, the Southeast Lighthouse had a first order Fresnel Lens. The original light source was created by a 4-wick lard burning candle. The lard was replaced with kerosene in 1888. In 1929, the lens was set in a pool of mercury that rotated with a mechanism that moved like the inner workings of a watch. When the house was wired for electricity, a small motor was installed to operate the Len’s rotation.
T
he US Coast Guard deactivated the light because the erosion of nearby cliffs were threatening the lighthouse’s structure. In 1992, the original Len’s was reinstalled and ownership was transferred to the Southeast Lighthouse Foundation for preservation. A year later, the 2,000 ton building was slowly moved 300 feet back from the cliffs.
While my travel companion and I were scoping out the terrain along the beautiful shoreline, we just happened to come across a very unique peak between the Mohegan Bluffs and the Southeast Lighthouse. I don’t know about you but the first thing that came to mind was, “ET phone home!” You just never know what you might see when exploring new places.
Block Island’s Southeast Lighthouse completes our two part series. We spent two and half fabulous days enjoying this very quaint colonial township. We got the opportunity to explore some cool places, meet a lot of great people, and taste the local cuisine. We hope you enjoyed the article and don’t forget to watch the video below. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and we’ll see you soon!
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Video: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publishing Provide By: You, Me and The Dock
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