The Great Beds Lighthouse sits about 3/4 of a mile off Staten Island’s,
Wards Point, in Raritan Bay. The 60 foot tall lighthouse is a white boiler
plated, caisson style structure, popular during that period. In 1878, the
Lighthouse Establishment appropriated funds for the building of the light,
to aid mariners around the Great Beds Shoal.
A dispute between New York
and New Jersey over the rights of the shoal area delayed its final
construction, until 1880 when New York ceded its rights to New Jersey.
Great Beds Light has been the victim of many collisions by barges and
ships during its long history. Fortunately, damages were always minor and
probably added some excitement to the keeper’s day. The USCG automated the
light in 1945, updating it with a modern lens that shows a flashing red
light.
Location: Raritan River Visiting Status: Closed to Public Information: N/A Light Operational: Yes Date Deactivated: N/A Automated: 1945 Tower Height: 60 feet Original Optic: 4th Order Fresnel Present Optic: 155MM
