The stone building at the mouth of the Niagara River near Youngstown, N.Y., is the fourth of five lights that have guided ships from this shore. The new 1872 Fort Niagara Light was built with a 50-foot octagonal tower and attached work room. With added modifications, the light is now a museum that includes an 1893 keeper's cottage, a sheet iron storage building, and a yellow brick watch room below the tower, which added another 11 feet to the light. In the summer, there are historical exhibits, an information center and museum shop. Year-round visitors can stop by Old Fort Niagara to see 300 years of history displayed through exhibits, displays and costumed guides.
Many sites close down during the winter.
Call ahead before visiting. To receive free information about these lighthouse states, go to Reader Service .