Horton Point Lighthouse

The Historical Society's Nautical Museum and tower are open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 11:30 AM to 4 PM, through Columbus Day.  Be sure to visit our newest exhibit, "Tale of the Whale." Bring a picnic and enjoy the spectacular view of Long Island Sound and Connecticut from our eight-acre park. Descend 120 steps to the beach or walk the nature trail. Weather permitting, there are front porch craft demonstrations on Sunday afternoons. There will also be special events throughout this special summer.

The Horton Point Lighthouse, circa 1900

The Southold Historical Society's Nautical Museum at Horton Point Lighthouse was completely renovated during the winter of 2005-06.  New exhibits, rare historical objects, and other updated displays make a visit to the lighthouse a MUST when you are on the North Fork of Long Island. 

*  PLEASE NOTE:  The Southold Park District - who owns the Lighthouse - has made parking on the lighthouse grounds increasingly difficult.  We are working to remedy the situation and will post updates as we progress.  Please be aware that if you are planning a visit, to check in concerning parking.  Thank you.

Click on the links below to learn about some of the new objects and displays:

*    Display on the War of 1812 and the H.M.S. Sylph   ~ NEW!

*    Historic Ledgers from the Horton Point Lighthouse   ~ NEW!

*    Early 19th century Long Island Sailor's Ditty Bag   ~ NEW!

*    Rare 19th century Ivory and Ebony Whale Stamps   ~ coming soon!

*    The Capt. Henry Green (1794-1873) Whaling Collection   ~ coming soon!

*    The Society's Nautical Art Collection at Horton Point   ~ coming soon!

HISTORY OF THE LIGHTHOUSE:

(For an exhaustive history, please click HERE!)

The Horton Point Lighthouse, located north of downtown Southold, was constructed by the U. S. Lighthouse Service in 1857.  It is one of seven historic lighthouses located in Southold Township.  The tower and adjoining keepers residence are built on the "Cliff Lot" of Barnabas Horton's original 1640 land grant.

The tower, which was originally connected to the residence by a cut stone wind-way, is 58 feet tall and once held a 3rd order Fresnel lens.  The lighthouse was managed by several men during its history.  Below is a list of the keepers of the lighthouse from its opening until its automation in 1933.  For detailed biographies of these keepers click HERE!

William Sinclair (1857-1861)

Albert J. Tillinghast (1861-1866)

Barnabas Pike (1866-1869)

Theron W. Squires (1869-1871)

Daniel Goldsmith (1871-1877)

George S. Prince (1877-1896)

Robert E. Ebbitts (1896-1903)

Stella Prince (Acting Keeper, 1903-1904)

Robert E. Ebbitts (1904-1919)

George Erhardt (1919-1933)

At the time of the automation of the lighthouse in 1933 the original Fresnel lens was removed and a new skeletal light tower was built closer to the coastline.  In January of 1934 the Lighthouse and the surrounding property was purchased to the Southold Park District.  During World War II the Lighthouse was occupied by the Coast Guard, Civilian Defense Corps., and a succession of military units.

In 1990 a massive restoration project was begun.  The tower was repaired internally and externally, reopened, and relit.  At that time the lower level of the Keeper's House was converted into the Southold Historical Society's Nautical Museum.  The Lighthouse is listed on both the State & National Registers of Historic Places.

The Lighthouse is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am - 4:00 pm.  Admission to the Lighthouse is $3.00 for adults and is FREE for children under the age of 12.

*** Click HERE to visit the Long Island Lighthouses web-page for the Horton Point Lighthouse! ***