The original Oak Orchard Lighthouse was built on a pier on the westside of the port in 1871. The original Oak Orchard Lighthouse, circa 1914 The original Oak Orchard Lighthouse, circa 1914 The decommissioned Oak Orchard Lighthouse is washed away in a violent storm in 1916. Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum, Point Breeze, NY Jetty on the eaststide of the port is built in the 1970s Plans to build a replica of the original Oak Orchard Lighthouse are initiated in 2002 The replica of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse built in 2010 The best is yet to come!
Home History Live! Blog Support Gallery Gift Shop Contact

The History of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse

The original Oak Orchard Harbor Light House stood on the west side of the Oak Orchard River, along with the keeper’s house between 1871 and 1916. The keepers house, now a private residence, remains intact on Archbald Road, at Oak Orchard on the Lake.

In 1867 a grant of $87,000.00 was made to the port. Two piers, each approximately, 1,000 feet in length, the lighthouse, the keeper’s house, and an elevated walk over one of the piers to the lighthouse were constructed by 1871. Once completed, this structure was recorded as U.S. Light List Number 2365, and was visible for nine miles.

The square pyramidal lighthouse rested on the north end of the west pier, stood over 32 feet tall, was constructed of wood, and the lantern of iron. Wooden ship ladder steps led to a landing, which housed the light. The first floor of the lighthouse was fitted with a locker, a closet with hooks and shelves, and a work table. The second floor housed two lockers and a bunk. The lantern was one floor above and was constructed of boiler plate steel. It could be accessed by a ladder from the second floor.

View the archived Oak Orchard Lighthouse description at the US Lighthouse Society's website.

The piers were maintained until 1905 when they were abandoned by the US Government. During a storm in 1914, a large hole was washed through the west pier. Another storm On December 23, 1916 swept away the lighthouse and what remained of the piers.

View the Oak Orchard Lighthouse today...in real time! >>>


• Welcome • Blog • Live • History • Photo Gallery • Support • Shop • Contact •

Oak Orchard Lighthouse • 14357 Ontario St. • Kent (Point Breeze), NY 14477 [View Map]
N43° 22.2703' • W078° 11.4411'
Mailing Address: PO Box 23 • Kent, NY 14477 • info@oakorchardlighthouse.org • Tel: 585.230.7829

Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum
Orleans County Tourism
Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association
Oak Orchard Yacht Club
The Greater Niagara Region
New York State Seaway Trail
I Love NY
Web Design by Lynne Menz Designs • Special thanks to Jamie Bragg & Gregg Squicciarini for their contributions!