Sodus Point in Wayne County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Site of 1825 Keeper's Dwelling House
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, November 7, 2014
1. Site of 1825 Keeper's Dwelling House Marker
On May 26, 1824 an act of Congress approved appropriation of $4,500 to construct a light tower and keeper's house at Sodus Bay. On November 20, 1824 three acres of land were purchased from William Wickham for the sum of $68.75 and construction began. In 1825 both structures were completed and the light was placed in operation. Both structures were built of limestone and mortar. The dwelling house measured 34 by 20 feet and was divided into two rooms, each with a fireplace. The walls were 20 inches thick and there was a 12 by 14 foot scullery at the south end of the building. The light tower was 40 feet high with a 22 foot diameter at its base and 10½ foot diameter at its top. The wall was 3½ feet thick at the bottom.
An inspection of both structures in 1868 and again in 1869 determined that they were in poor condition and not worthy of repair. Consequently, at the July 15, 1870 session of Congress, $14,000 was appropriated to build the present lighthouse. When that was completed in 1871, the two original structures were torn down and the stone used to build a jetty out into the lake in hope that it would stop erosion.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is May 26, 1824.
Location. 43° 16.406′ N, 76° 59.158′ W. Marker is in Sodus Point, New York, in Wayne County. Marker is at the intersection of North Ontario Street and Lake Street on North Ontario Street. Marker is on the south lawn of the lighthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7606 North Ontario Street, Sodus NY 14551, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Big Sodus Light (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Original Sodus Bay Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); British Raids (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Sodus Point (approx. ¼ mile away); The War of 1812 (approx. ¼ mile away); Historic Sodus Point (approx. 0.3 miles away); A French Inspired Flotilla (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Sodus Point Coal Trestle (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sodus Point.
Also see . . . Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum. (Submitted on December 12, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, November 7, 2014
2. Text Detail
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, November 7, 2014
3. Back of Marker and Sodus Bay Lighthouse
Between them is one of the four piles of stone as described on the marker. At left in the background is the intersection of North Ontario Street and Lake Street, which is actually a 90 degree turn.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, November 7, 2014
4. Northward View of Marker and Lighthouse
Pictures taken during a hailstorm this day.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 384 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on December 13, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 12, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
