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Last Updated on February 22, 2021 by Sophie Nadeau
Of all the spooky things to do in Sleepy Hollow, the place most visitors least expect is the beautiful lighthouse, which lies just a few feet from the shoreline on the banks of the River Hudson. Here’s how to visit the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, as well as a history and things to know before you go.
Please note that the Sleepy Hollow Light is also known as the Tarrytown Light and Kingsland Point Light.
A history of the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse
The Sleepy Hollow Light dates all the way back to the latter half of the 19th-century when it would warn ships of shoals on the East Side of the Hudson River. Constructed in the “sparkplug” style in cast iron caisson and set over five storeys, the Lighthouse is unique among all Hudson River Lighthouses as it is the only one to contain family living quarters.
The first storey would have housed a kitchen, dining room, and living room. Meanwhile, the second and third floors would have each housed a bedroom. On the fourth floor, there was a smaller bedroom and even smaller study, while the fifth and final floor would have served as the watch tower, alerting ships passing by to any potential danger.
Standing at 55 foot tall, the lighthouse was in operation from 1883 over a period of 78 years. During its lifetime of service, the lighthouse was home to 12 keepers and their families. Though it may seem as if the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse is pretty close to the shoreline today, this was not always the case.
Years of landfill as a direct result of the now closed General Motors factory means that the lighthouse, which was once half a mile away from the shoreline of the banks of the River Hudson, is now just a few feet away.
The lighthouse was in use right up until the 1950s when navigation lights were installed on the Tappan Zee Bridge, which meant that the Lighthouse was no longer required. Since 1979, the Tarrytown Light has been on the National Register of Historic Places. The best place to see the Lighthouse from the land is froml Westchester RiverWalk at Edge-on-Hudson.
How to visit the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse
If you’re looking to visit the Light for yourself, then you should know that it’s easily one of the best things to do in Sleepy Hollow. Located at the end of Kingsland Point Park, the lighthouse is near the southern end of the park. Though a little bit of a walk, the views are well worth it.
If you want to see the interior of the lighthouse for yourself, then it’s worth noting that tours of the light are offered by the village of Sleepy Hollow during several occasions throughout the summer months. You can discover more information on the village’s website.
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