Eatons Neck Light

Eatons Neck Light has served as a navigational aid since its construction in 1798. Designed by John McComb, Jr., it is one of only two 18th century lighthouses still standing in New York State, the other is the Montauk Point Light.

Chronology of lighthouse

 * 1798, March 14: $13,250 was appropriated for the lighthouse to be built.
 * 1798, June 16: Ten acres were bought from John Gardiner for $500.
 * 1798, July 2: President John Adams authorized construction of the light.
 * 1798, December 6: Construction of the lighthouse was completed.
 * 1799, January 1: The light was first lit.
 * 1837: An inspection found the light to be defective. The light was not visible at 10 mi.
 * 1838: Twelve lamps with 13-inch reflectors were installed to improve the visibility of the light.
 * 1842: 9 in reflectors were installed.
 * 1850: Thirteen lamps with 15 in reflectors were installed.
 * 1858: A new lantern and a third order Fresnel lens were installed.
 * 1867, March 2: Congress approved funds needed to renovate the lighthouse.
 * 1868: Renovations completed included the replacing the old wooden stairs with iron stairs with landings, the interior walls were lined with brick, the :keeper's quarters were expanded and the steam fog signal was installed.
 * 1880: The keeper's quarters were renovated.
 * 1907: The oil lamp was replaced with an oil vapor lamp.
 * 1921: The light was electrified.
 * 1961: The light was automated.


 * -- Data from the United States Coast Guard

The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.