Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

 lighthouse, foghorn, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places

Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-5294
www.hudsonathenslighthouse.org/

Station Established: 1874
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1874
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1949
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: GRANITE CAISSON
Construction Materials: DRESSED STONE/BRICK
Height: 30 feet; focal plane 46 feet
Tower Shape: SQUARE
Markings/Pattern: RED BRICK W/BLACK LANTERN
Relationship to Other Structure: ATTACHED
Original Lens: FIFTH ORDER, FRESNEL 1926; Current light 300 mm.
Foghorn: Fog bell mechanism; 15 second intervals

Chronology:

1872: Congress of U.S. approves $35,000.00 to build the light.
1873 - 1874: Light was constructed.
1874, November 14: Light was put into operation with Henry D. Best as the first keeper.
1949, November 10: The light was automated.
1940's: Electricity was installed.
1967: Nelson A. Rockefeller established the Hudson River Valley Commission, which suggested the USCG deed over or lease lighthouse facilities to public or not-for-profit groups for maintenance and preservation.
1982: Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society was formed.
1984, February 15: A 20 year lease between the Lighthouse Preservation Society and the USCG was signed. This was the first lease of its kind.
2002: Occasional tours are available to the public through the Lighthouse Preservation Society