Braddock Point Lighthouse

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About The Site

Braddock Point sketch

Braddock Point Light is just west of Braddock Bay. The light actually stands on nearby Bogus Point, which extends further into the lake. The light was built to guide ships traveling to and from Rochester, NY and the Welland Canal in Ontario. The ornate 110-foot tower and Victorian residence was completed in 1896. The tower was equipped with a third-and-a-half order Fresnel lens, making it one of the brightest lights on Lake Ontario. The light was a copy of the Cleveland Light, which was torn down in 1895. The lens, lantern, and metal work were taken from that light.

The light was removed from service in 1954, and the Coast Guard removed the top two-thirds of the weather-beaten tower, due to structural damage. The house and tower fell into disrepair due to neglect and vandalism.

Select an image to enlarge

The site was sold to private owners in 1957, and was sold again in 1986. Each of the private owners have gradually restored the house and tower to its original splendor. The tower was rebuilt to 55 feet in 1995. On February 28, 1999, the lighthouse was relit by the Coast Guard.

References (see links)

Seaway Trail Lighthouses (2nd Edition), Tinney, Burdett-Watkins p. 23
Nineteenth Century Lights, Clifford p. 266

Directions: From the Lake Ontario Parkway (part of the Seaway Trail), just west of Rochester, turn north onto Lighthouse Road. At the end of Lighthouse Road, turn right. The lighthouse is a private residence, but can be viewed from the road. (The best view would be during winter, since the dense growth of trees makes the lighthouse difficult to see.) A better view would be by boat.

Note that the lighthouse is private property. Please respect the privacy of the owners. (September 2006)