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The Little Red Lighthouse: A Beacon of History and Hope

Discover Manhattan's only remaining lighthouse, a symbol of history and community, nestled beneath the iconic George Washington Bridge in Fort Washington Park.

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Nestled beneath the George Washington Bridge in Fort Washington Park, the Little Red Lighthouse, officially the Jeffrey's Hook Light, is a charming reminder of New York City's maritime past. Saved from demolition by the popularity of a children's book, it stands as a symbol of perseverance and the power of community.

A brief summary to The Little Red Lighthouse

Local tips

  • Check the NYC Parks website for occasional open access times and tours of the lighthouse interior.
  • Visit during the annual Little Red Lighthouse Festival in the fall for tours, readings, and activities.
  • Explore the surrounding Fort Washington Park, offering scenic views, walking paths, and recreational facilities.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the West 181st Street overpass at Riverside Drive, enter Fort Washington Park and follow the pathway north. The path descends towards the Hudson River, leading you directly to the Little Red Lighthouse beneath the George Washington Bridge. This walk offers scenic views of the river and bridge. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Take the A train to the 181st Street station. Exit towards Fort Washington Avenue and walk west to Riverside Drive. Use the overpass to enter Fort Washington Park and follow the walking directions to the lighthouse. A single subway fare is $2.90.

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Discover more about The Little Red Lighthouse

The Little Red Lighthouse, or Jeffrey's Hook Light, is a beloved landmark in Fort Washington Park, Manhattan. Erected in 1880 in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, it was moved to its current location in 1921 to improve Hudson River navigation. For a decade, its flashing red light and fog bell guided ships safely along the narrow channel. The completion of the George Washington Bridge in 1931 rendered the lighthouse's navigational light obsolete. Decommissioned in 1948, the Coast Guard planned to dismantle and auction it off. However, the 1942 children's book, *The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge* by Hildegarde Swift and Lynd Ward, sparked public outcry. The story, about a small lighthouse finding its purpose despite the presence of a larger bridge, resonated with children and adults alike. In 1951, the Coast Guard transferred the lighthouse to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, saving it from demolition. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and relit in 2002. Today, visitors can explore this iconic structure and enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge.

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