Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse

Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse It was constructed to replace the original Fairport Harbor Lighthouse, which now serves as a marine museum.

History:
The Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light was built in 1925 and sits in Painesville Township, Ohio at the mouth of the Grand River. The original Fairport Harbor lighthouse protected the shore and directed mariners for 100 years before being falling into disrepair. In June 1917, Congress appropriated $42,000 for the construction of a new breakwater light. That funding included monies that

would be used to demolish the original lighthouse. However, the reality of destroying the older lighthouse didn’t sit well with the citizens of Fairport and as a result, the Secretary of Commerce agreed to let the old lighthouse remain. Despite having Congressional funding to begin, the outbreak of World War I delayed construction for several years. Constructed in Buffalo, New York, the iron frame was made of steel studding, floor beams, rafters, side and roof plating, cast-iron cornices, sills and lintels, which were riveted and bolted permanently together. This prefabricated section was secured by steel cables and transported aboard the steamer Wotan, 147 miles to Fairport Harbor. Once in Ohio, the interior mason and finish work was completed and the lantern room and lens were installed. On June 9, 1925, the Fairport Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse was illuminated for the first time. Today:
The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, (NHLPA), an amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, provides a mechanism for the disposal of federally-owned historic light stations. It also recognizes the “cultural, recreational, and educational value associated with historic light station properties” and makes these properties initially available at no cost to federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit corporations, educational agencies, and community development organizations education, park, recreation, cultural or historic preservation purposes for the general public. If no suitable organization is found, the General Services Administration conducts online auctions for these lighthouses. As a result, in 2005, the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse was deemed surplus government property by the U.S. Coast Guard. Under the terms of disposition of this unique and historic type of surplus government property, the lighthouse was first offered at no cost to eligible organizations such as federal, state, and local agencies, non-profit corporations, and educational organizations. Despite the application period being extended, no qualified organizations came forth, so the lighthouse was auctioned off by the General Services Administration beginning in 2009. Several unsuccessful auctions were held until the lighthouse was brought in August 2011 by a private citizen. It is now being restored and will be used as a summer vacation home.

Yep, I see me!
08/18/2026

Yep, I see me!

Nine underrated lighthouses most people don't know about.

Lovely photos by Nancy Cline. Thanks!
08/15/2026

Lovely photos by Nancy Cline. Thanks!

The juxtaposition of beauty and speed.
08/09/2026

The juxtaposition of beauty and speed.

08/07/2026

Saturday, August 15th - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Silvercreek Amateur Radio Assoc. will be participating in International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (ILLW) by operating amateur radio stations from the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse. Weather permitting, a second team will travel to the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse to activate both Fairport Harbor lighthouses during the event.

International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is an annual worldwide amateur radio event that encourages the preservation and public awareness of lighthouses and lightships. Amateur radio operators set up temporary stations at participating lighthouses and make contacts with other lighthouse stations and amateur radio operators across the United States and around the world. The event began in 1998 and has grown into one of the largest annual amateur radio operating events, with hundreds of participating lighthouses in dozens of countries. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to see amateur radio in action, learn how operators communicate across the globe without relying on the Internet or cellular networks, and observe live contacts being made with stations throughout North America and beyond.
https://w8wky.org/

Happy National Lighthouse Day!!
08/07/2026

Happy National Lighthouse Day!!

07/10/2026
Hey, that's me!
07/05/2026

Hey, that's me!

These lighthouses are so picturesque, they look straight out of a painting.

Address

1 Coast Guard Road
Fairport Harbor, OH
44077

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