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Probably the most beloved
lighthouse in America, the Little Red Lighthouse,
properly known as Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse, stands
as a tiny beacon at the foot of the mighty George
Washington Bridge. The current structure, the second
lighthouse on the site, was constructed in 1920 as
an aid to navigation for shipping up and down the
Hudson River.
After the construction
of the bridge it was determined that the lighthouse
was no longer needed and was scheduled for demolition.
However the children's book "The Little Red Lighthouse
and the Great Grey Bridge" by Hildegard Swift,
popularized the little lighthouse dwarfed by the bridge,
and the millions of children who loved the lighthouse
spoke out saving it from destruction.
The lighthouse is now
surrounded by the parklands and pathways of Fort Washington
Park in Manhattan. You can easily access the site
from 181st Street, just stroll over the pedestrian
bridge and follow the walking path as it descends
to the river. Tours of the lighthouse are available
on a regular basis from Spring thru Fall. |
