Definition Sands Point Light refers to a historic lighthouse located at Sands Point on the North Shore of Long Island, New York, United States.
Overview Sands Point Light is a lighthouse situated in the village of Sands Point in Nassau County, New York. It was constructed in 1891 by the United States Lighthouse Board to aid maritime navigation in Long Island Sound, particularly at the hazardous entrance to Hempstead Harbor. The lighthouse served as an active aid to navigation until 1954, when it was deactivated due to changes in maritime routes and infrastructure. The structure remains standing and is considered a local historic landmark.
Etymology/Origin The name "Sands Point Light" derives from its geographic location at Sands Point, a promontory extending into Long Island Sound. The term "Light" is commonly used in nautical contexts to denote a lighthouse or navigational beacon. The place name "Sands Point" likely refers to the sandy shoreline and coastal features of the area.
Characteristics The lighthouse is a cylindrical brick tower, 40 feet (12 meters) in height, painted white with a black lantern dome. It originally featured a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which emitted a fixed white light visible for approximately 14 nautical miles. The keeper's dwelling, a Queen Anne-style structure, was adjacent to the tower but was later demolished. The site was automated in the 1930s prior to deactivation.
Related Topics
- Lighthouses in New York
- United States Lighthouse Board
- Long Island Sound
- Historic lighthouses of Nassau County
- Navigation aids in the United States
- Preservation of historic lighthouses