History/Info:

In 1838 the US Government appropriated $6,000 to erect a lighthouse at the Esopus Meadows to warn shipping of the dangerous shallows and mud flats laying between the lighthouse and the shore. The lighthouse was constructed as a near identical match to the neighboring lighthouse then in use at the Rondout Creek. By the late 1860s the lighthouse was in ruinous condition and funding was approved to rebuild the lighthouse. This time a more substantial foundation with a facing of cut stone was created to protect the lighthouse from winter ice and flooding.

The Coast Guard took over operations in 1939 and the light was eventually closed in 1965 when an automated navigation aid was erected outside.

Source: Hudson Riverlights

Hours:
The Esopus Meadows Lighthouse is not open for visitation as it is structurally unsafe.

Latitude/Longitude: 41°52.1'N 73°56.5'W

Directions: click here for overview map   detail map #1   detail map #2   detail map #3

• From Route 87 take exit 19 in Ulster.
• At the end of the ramp you'll be at a rotary (roundabout for our european friends :-). Go 3/4 around the rotary and take SR 28/Route 587 towards Kingston.
• SR 28 is also Broadway. Take Broadway for about 1.4 miles when Broadway goes off to the left and McEntee St goes off to the right. Go right onto McEntee St.
• In 0.1 miles turn left onto Wurts St.
• Stay on Wurts St. for about 1 mile to the end at the intersection with Route 9W.
• Turn right onto Route 9W.
• Take 9W for 0.9 miles and turn left onto CR 24 / River Rd.
• Follow River Road until you see the lighthouse on the left and a small park (aptly named Lighthouse Park). Park there and walk to the water's edge for a view of the lighthouse.