Juniper Island (South Burlington, Vermont)

USA / Vermont / South Burlington / South Burlington, Vermont
An island of approximately 13 acres in Lake Champlain, approximately 3.15 miles (5.07 km) southwest of Burlington's King Street Ferry Dock. It is part of the Town of Shelburne.

The State of Vermont purchased the island for $200 in 1825 and ceded it to the federal government, which constructed a lighthouse and keeper's house. Apparently a victim of poor workmanship or materials or both, the original lighthouse was in such a state of disrepair that it had to be replaced in 1846. The later lighthouse is still there, and is the oldest cast iron lighthouse remaining in the US.

The second lighthouse was retired and a 60-foot skeleton tower light was erected in 1954. Two years later, Juniper Island was sold at auction.

The keeper's house was severely damaged by fire in 1962.

The current owners have constructed a new dwelling from nearly 18,000 bricks salvaged from the ruins of the original house.

Sometime in the Seventies during a prolonged debate over where to put a correctional facility in the Burlington area, perennial candidate Dennis Morriseau suggested that Vermont legalize marijuana, use tax proceeds to purchase the island, and place the correctional facility there.
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Coordinates:   44°27'1"N   73°16'35"W

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This article was last modified 13 years ago