Prescott Harbor Lighthouses

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Prescott Harbor sketch

The town of Prescott is located roughly 40 miles up the St. Lawrence River from Lake Ontario. A pair of lights here mark Prescott Harbor. The town was founded in 1810, and is named for general Robert Prescott, governor-in-chief of Canada from 1797 to 1807. Prior to the St. Lawrence Seaway, Prescott was the only deep-water harbor between Toronto and Montreal, and served as a starting point for passengers and goods traveling west.

The 40-foot inner harbor light was built in 1989 by the Rotary Club of Prescott. The "Rotary Light" was built in memory of former member G. Judson Newell during the club's 50th anniversary. The tower houses a visitor information center, complete with souvenirs and ice cream. The Fresnel lens in the lantern room was donated by the Canadian Coast Guard.

The 20-foot outer light in Prescott Harbor still serves as an aid to navigation, marking the end of the breakwall of Prescott Harbor. Across the river, you can see Ogdensburg Harbor Light, and further north on the Canadian side you can see Windmill Point.

References (see links)

A Traveler's Guide to 100 Eastern Great Lakes Lighthouses, Penrose p. 64
AAA Ontario Tourbook, p. 135

Select an image to enlarge

Prescott Harbor Inner Light

Outer Light and Ogdensburg (left)

Outer Harbor Light

Outer Light and Fresnel Lens

Outer (left) and Inner Lights

Inner Harbor Light

Outer Harbor Light

Directions: From Highway 401, take exit #716 and go southeast to Highway 2 (King St.) in Prescott. Cross Highway 2 to Water Street. Turn left on Water Street and go one block to Prescott Harbor. (Alternatively, you can travel along the St. Lawrence River on Highway 2, turn east onto Edward Street, and north onto Water Street. The Inner Harbor Light is open from 11AM to 9PM daily in July and August. (It was also open on a weekend in June when we visited.) Visitors can climb to the top. There is no admission fee, but a small donation to the Rotary club is requested. (September 2006)