Peeking out from under the grand George Washington Bridge stands the Little Red Lighthouse. Officially known as Jeffrey’s Hook Light it is a charming piece of New York City’s maritime past. Let’s uncover its story.
The Little Red Lighthouse wasn’t always here. It began its service in Sandy Hook, New Jersey. It stood there until 1917. It became obsolete. In 1921, it was moved here. It became part of a project to improve Hudson River navigation. The Little Red Lighthouse originally had a battery-powered lamp. It also had a fog bell. A part-time lighthouse keeper operated it.
Before the Little Red Lighthouse, there was just a red pole. It was hung over the river to prevent accidents. In 1889, a small light was added to the pole. It had only 10 candle power. This helped alert ships to the land at night. The city acquired the land around Jeffrey’s Hook in 1896. It later became Fort Washington Park.
Construction of the George Washington Bridge began in 1927. It loomed over the Little Red Lighthouse. Once the bridge was done in 1931 the lighthouse’s light became less important. In 1948, the Coast Guard turned off the light. They planned to take it apart and sell it.
But something amazing happened. Children loved a 1942 book. It was called “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge.” Hildegarde Swift wrote it. Lynd Ward drew the pictures. The public protested the dismantling of the Little Red Lighthouse. The Coast Guard gave the lighthouse to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation in 1951.
The Little Red Lighthouse became a New York City Landmark in 1991. In 2002, the city relit the lighthouse. Today, you can visit the Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park. You can walk or bike there using the Hudson River Greenway.
The New York Landmarks Conservancy helped restore the lighthouse. They repainted it red. They installed safety mesh on the railing. They replaced the windowpanes. They repaired the window frames and entryway door.
The Little Red Lighthouse stands 40 feet tall. It is made of cast iron. It has a white lantern. Its light flashes red every 3 seconds. It is a reminder of the past. It also featured in the 1948 film “Force of Evil”. It is in Jane Campion’s film “In the Cut”. The Little Red Lighthouse continues to capture hearts. It connects us to New York City’s history. It also reminds us of the power of stories.