In 1853, Congress authorized the construction of a lighthouse on Lime Rock in Newport harbor. Lime Rock is a limestone ledge about  from the shore. The original lighthouse was a short stone tower with a 6th order Fresnel lens and an oil-burning lantern.
In 1853, Congress decided to build a navigational aid on Lime Rock in Newport harbor. This spot features a limestone outcrop near the shoreline. The initial lighthouse was a short stone tower equipped with a 6th order Fresnel lens and an oil-powered light source.