First Ward in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
1. The 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse Marker
Nicknamed the "old Stone Light" in the 19th century and "Chinaman's Light" early this century, the tower originally used whale-oil lamps and polished reflectors. Kerosene lamps and a fresnel lens were in use early this century. But the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1914 and the breakwater light station became the main beacon for the expanded harbor.
A classic fresnel lens was installed and the lighthouse re-lit to help open the first Buffalo-Fort Erie Friendship Festival in 1987.
Erected by Buffalo Lighthouse Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.
Location. 42° 52.665′ N, 78° 53.357′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It is in the First Ward. It can be reached from Fuhrmann Boulevard 1.3 miles north of The Skyway
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and specifically in Western New York. It is also in the American Northeast, on the Great Lakes, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Buffalo Harbor (within shouting distance of this marker); Buffalo Water Intake, Horseshoe Reef Light (within shouting distance of this marker); Buffalo Main & Harbor Lights (within shouting distance of this marker); Buffalo Lightship (within shouting distance of this marker); International Shipmasters' Association (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Penobscot-Morania Collision (about 400 feet away); The Lifeboat Station (about 700 feet away); The Coast Guard (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
2. 1961 Rehabilitation Plaques
Fixed to the lighthouse.
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
3. More Restoration Plaques
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
4. Related Plaques on the Walkway to the Ligthouse
United States Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places; Buffalo Lighthouse, designated 1984. Buffalo Historic Civil Engineering Landmark; Buffalo Lighthouse and Pier, designated 1986. City of Buffalo Landmark, Buffalo Landmark Preservation Board; Buffalo Lighthouse, designated 1986. "The lighthouse and lightship appeal to the interest and better instinct of man because they are symbolic of never-ceasing watchfulness, of steadfast endurance in every exposure, of widespread helpfulness. The building and keeping of the lights is a picturesque and humanitarian work of the nation." George R. Putnam, U.S. Commissioner of Lighthouses, 1910-1935.
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
5. Northward
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
6. The 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse & Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 989 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 6, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 3. submitted on July 9, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 4. submitted on July 6, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 5. submitted on July 9, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 6. submitted on July 6, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.
