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Many legends suggest how Fire Island received its name ranging from pirates setting fires on its shores hoping to lure ships to run aground, to the name being influenced by the bright red color that the island's abundant poison ivy turns in the fall.
The Fire Island Lighthouse was originally built in 1826, after the sinking of the ship Savannah off its shores. It brought into existence an import navigation landmark for vessels that were approaching the port of N.Y.C.
In early November of 1858, the lighthouse size was more than doubled after realization that the prior height of the lighthouse wasn't sufficient as the vessel the Elizabeth ran aground. The stones from this original lighthouse were reused for the terrace base that the current lighthouse stands on.
Rum runners during prohibition also found the Fire Island Lighthouse a good friend as they used it constantly for navigation into the Fire Island inlet.
In 1915, the U.S. Coast Guard became the caretakers of the Fire Island Lighthouse, and they still have a Coast Guard Base on the island.
Nearly a decade after the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1974, The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society raised over a million dollars of funds and returned the beacon to its former splendor saving the landmark for posterity.
In 1996, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society took over the care, operation and maintenance of the Fire Island Lighthouse, but it remains under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Majesty Score: 5
At the height of 168 feet, coupled with the fact that it competes only with overgrown six-foot willows with nothing else around it, the Fire Island Lighthouse gets a 5 for Majesty!
You will really appreciate its majesty as you drive south over the Robert Moses Bridge (see below) on your way to the light and see the light miles off in the distance to your left beaconing. It is a really beautiful site!
Also when standing at the base looking up, you will easily imagine that it is the tallest lighthouse in New York, and one of the largest in the Northeast.
Water View Score: 3
A small critique of the lighthouse is that the ocean can not be seen from the base.
It is a short walk though for an ocean view or a short glance to see Long Island's Great South Bay (See Above). The lighthouse sits between both bodies of water.
Preservation Score: 4
The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society has done absolute wonders with this light since 1982, and a ton of credit is due! There is some fading on the outside of the tower but the brick base structure that the light tower stands on has held up very well.
Inside the structure, the keeper's house has been beautifully renovated to offer a small gift shop and museum. The museum houses a very nice fourth-order Fresnel lens.
The surrounding area is well maintained, and features a narrow boardwalk that runs from the Robert Moses Field 5 parking lot to the lighthouse (.7 mile) that lets you take in the beauty of the seashore.
The ruins of the first lighthouse can still be seen on this approach to the lighthouse (see below right).
Surrounding Area Score: 4
Many travelers who have an adverse opinion of Metro New York should visit Robert Moses State Park, where you park for this lighthouse, and the neighboring State Park of Jones Beach. On a clear day the Manhattan skyline can be seen from both, but the assistance of the Fire Island Lighthouse in needed for the former.
These New York beaches have more of the feel of Carolina beaches with their white floury sand, abundance of beach front land masses and and roaring coast line.
For a nice stroll, a visit to neighboring Jones Beach (which has a 3 mile board walk that runs along the ocean complete with upscale restaurant, snack bar, miniature and pitch-and-put golf courses and band stands) is recommended.
Together, the State Park of Jones Beach and the Fire Island National Seashore have about 45 miles of roaring beach coast.
Accessibility Score: 5
The lighthouse and tower are opened starting in early April on weekends, then everyday starting July through Memorial Day. There are also winter hours during the weekends from January to March - please check their Web site.
The lighthouse keeper's quarters are now a small museum and gift shop.
Climbing the tower gives you quite a great view of the Long Island coastline that would be somewhat blocked on land.
There is a parking fee at Robert Moses.
Beacon Score: 3
The lighthouse is active and currently has a DCB-224 that flashes every 7.5 Seconds. It originally featured a 1st order Fresnel lens. There are 4th Order Fresnel lens on display in the keeper's quarters.
Overall Score and Overview: 28
This is a great lighthouse trip! You can spend the day at the beach at Robert Moses after you visit the lighthouse and it will definitely not disappoint.
As mentioned, a narrow boardwalk through the dunes connects the west end parking lot of Robert Moses to the light. The curves in this winding walkway of willows and a surprise deer or two make for great photo op's. The walk to the lighthouse is about 7/10's of a mile. Be sure to be respectful of the inhabitants, and drive slowly as deer and wildlife are abundant.
Directions: Long Island Expressway, Northern State or Southern State to Sagitikos Parkway South. Follow that to the Robert Moses Causeway south and take the bridges to the water tower traffic circle. At the water tower traffic circle head west to Parking Lot 5 and park.
Fire Island Lighthouse's Official Web Page
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