Hudson-Athens Lighthouse – Hudson, New York - Atlas Obscura
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Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

Hudson, New York

A small Second Empire-style building is one of only seven remaining lighthouses on the Hudson River. 

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One of the bedrooms inside the lighthouse. Preservation League of NYS (Atlas Obscura User)
The original glass beacon on view inside the lighthouse. Preservation League of NYS (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse sits in the middle of the Hudson River between the towns of Hudson and Athens.

The lighthouse was constructed in 1874 to warn passing ships of the Middle Ground Flats, skinny silt islands that were completely submerged at high tide. Congress approved around $35,000 for the construction of the lighthouse. Its location in the middle of the river required creative engineering. Almost 200 wooden pilings were driven into the riverbed and a granite pier was built on top. The Second Empire-style lighthouse that sits above was home to the lightkeeper until the beacon was automated in 1949.

The nonprofit Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society maintains the lighthouse and offers tours on the second Saturday of the month, July-October.

Know Before You Go

Tours can be booked through Hudson Cruises and the boat departs from both Hudson and Athens.

lighthouses history & culture architecture
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