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Execution Rock Lighthouse

sands point, ny

Built in 1850, this attractive lighthouse, with its wide red band, is in excellent condition. At night, she flashes a white light every ten seconds that can be seen for fifteen miles. Though not exceptionally tall, the tower still looks massive at sixty-two feet above sea level.

Stories, without substance, abound about this famous light. One of the most popular tales is of British soldiers executing American prisoners here during the Revolutionary War. The story goes on to tell of the English driving spikes into the rocks by the water's edge, just below the high water mark.

Condemned prisoners were then chained to the spike at low tide ....

Another story calls this place "Executioner's Island" because so many ships were "executed" on her treacherous shoals.

Since there is a lot of commercial and recreational boat traffic in this area, the need for this important navigational aid (the light) should continue.  The usual arrangement, when the public and the Coast Guard join forces is: the public maintains the physical assets and the Coast Guard maintains the light. It is a good arrangement and many lighthouses were rescued from falling into disrepair and eventual demolition.

These wonderful places are truly our vanishing castles of America and must be preserved for future generations. Only an interested public can do that.