Long Island has 1180 miles of coastline and is the nation’s largest offshore island.  At its very eastern end, on the South Fork, stands the Montauk Lighthouse. It was the fourth lighthouse built in the United States, commissioned by George Washington in 1792. Since 1796, it has been a beacon to ships sailing to and from Europe; it is the first landfall for ships sailing southward to New York from Boston. Further, the lighthouse is a primary point of navigation for the many boats that sail in Long Island waters.

                            Here are several views of this beautiful lighthouse as seen from
                               various vantage points at different times of day and season.

                     Out East

                     When Sailors are against the Wall,
                     Brash Foghorns wail a Caterwaul,
                     Save forlorn Ships from Peril’s Pall,
                     Then mark the Way, be Calm or Squall,
                     To forewarn all, each wave-swept Yawl;
                     Let no Yacht crash on Rocks so tall,
                     Yet launch us Home, to Ports o’ Call;
                     True Promise kept; reach safe Landfall!

                     Staunch Bastion of an ancient Rite,
                     In Bright of Day or Still of Night;
                     This Monument hued Brown and White,
                     Will signal Hope, by Sound, by Sight;
                     At Montauk Point, our House of Light!
 

 

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© Howard B.Eskin 1996