Rhode Island Lighthouses

Point Judith Lighthouse

Courtesy of National Archives

The first Point Judith Lighthouse, an octagonal shaped wood tower, was built in 1810. There's no record of what kind of lighting apparatus was used in the light. The light was blown down during a hurricane in 1815.

The second Point Judith lighthouse, a stone tower, was built in 1816. It is uncertain how many lamps and reflectors were first installed in the light. After just twenty years of service the lighthouse needed major repairs. The lighthouse's lantern and deck needed to be replaced. Point Judith Lightouse went dark for three weeks in 1836. A public notice in the June 25, 1836 edition of the Fall River Monitor stated, "no light will be exhibited at said Lighthouse from and after Sunday the 24th July next, until said work is completed."

In 1838 Lt. George M. Bache reported that the light had ten lamps with attached reflectors. They were also fitted with two-inch green bull's-eye lenses. It was believed that they would intensify the light from the lamps. They didn't and were later removed. The interior of the light was very damp. During the winter ice would sometimes form on windows in the lantern room.

In 1857, Point Judith lighthouse was rebuilt. It was during this reconstruction that a keeper's dwelling was attached to the light tower. A fourth order Fresnel lens was installed in the new light.

In 1918 a collision avoidance system was tested at Point Judith Lighthouse. Dr. Lee De Forest installed a radiophone signaling apparatus at the lighthouse. The apparatus was small and easy to maintain. It would broadcast a warning to ships as they got closer to the lighthouse. It started as the ship got within eight miles of Point Judith Lighthouse. It would broadcast the words Point Judith Light every five seconds over the radio. After every third boardcast the warning "You are getting closer" was sent. When you get within two miles the words "keep off" was broadcast. The system could also send warnings out from a foghorn. It appears the apparatus was a failure, I've been unable to find any evidence that it was installed at any other lighthouses.


The lighthouse was automated in 1954. The keeper's dwelling was removed after the light was automated.

In 2000 the Point Judith lighthouse underwent its first major renovation in a hundred years. The lantern was removed and repaired. It took four months to complete the work. A temporary light replaced it while it was dark.

Point Judith Lighthouse is located on Point Judith Coast Guard Station.

See more of Point Judith Lighthouse in Rhode Island Lighthouses: A Pictorial History at by R Holmes.