Crossover Island gets its name from its proximity to the point where ships cross from the Canadian to the American channel of the St. Lawrence River. The original light was built in 1848, and consisted of a keeper's house with attached dwelling. At the time, the island was nearly barren. A rock wall was built on the southeast end of the island.

The original lighthouse was poorly constructed and was replaced in 1882. The tower housed a sixth-order Fresnel lens, and the keeper's house was modeled after the residence at Tibbetts Point The boathouse was built in 1869, and rebuilt after a fire in 1890. In 1899, the light changed color from brown to the current white.

Daniel Hill served as keeper from 1909 to 1931. Hill served at Buffalo Reef, Thirty Mile Point, Ogdensburg, Huron, and Crossover Lights. He recorded over 400 rescues, including three passengers of a biplane which crashed near the island. The biplane exploded as the passengers were brought to safety. Ralph Hill, son of Daniel Hill, recorded many stories of the keeper's life in the Thousand Island Sun and two books no longer in print. A small sign on the lighthouse tower today says "Daniel Hill Lighthouse."

The light was discontinued in 1942. In 1960, the island was sold as surplus property. Today, the light has been replaced by a nearby skeleton light, and is a private residence. The tower, three bedroom keeper's house, and other buildings have all been carefully preserved by the owners. In 2001, the island was put up for sale by the Dutchers, who have owned the island since 1969. Hopefully the new owners will maintain the island as well as the Dutchers have.

References (see links)

(Tinney, Seaway Trail Lighthouses (2nd Edition), Burdette-Watkins, p. 47
Lighthouses of the Seaway Trail (video)
Great Lakes Lighthouses - American and Canadian, Oleszewski, p. 25
Watertown Times May 27, 2001