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Colchester Reef Light A

Lake Champlain, vt

Built in 1871 at a cost of twenty thousand dollars, this important light protected mariners from three very dangerous shoals just off Colchester Point.

Showing a fixed red light that could be seen for eleven miles, this unique light also had a fog bell that operated by winding it like a clock.  During fog and low visibility, the bell sounded every twenty seconds.

Winters around Colchester could be very cold and it was not uncommon for the lake to freeze over.   Visitors would come out to visit or bring supplies by horse drawn sleighs.  Otherwise, one would have to row a few miles to get provisions.

The light was deactivated in 1933.   In 1952, the Shelburne Museum bought it.  It was then dismantled and moved to its present location in Shelburne, VT.

I have painted the light in its original, beautiful setting on Lake Champlain.