Historical Braddock Point
Lighthouse, established by the United States Lighthouse Establishment
(USLHE) in 1896. This majestic jewel has been restored to its
original Victorian grace and splendor.
Braddock Point Lighthouse
Historical Braddock Point
Lighthouse, established by the United States Lighthouse Establishment
(USLHE) in 1896. This majestic jewel has been restored to its
original Victorian grace and splendor.
Braddock Point Lighthouse
in 1933 Photograph courtesy National Archives
Built in 1896, Braddock Point
lighthouse is actually west of Braddock Point in an area known
as Bogus Point. It was known as Bogus Point because it was a drop
off point for counterfeit smugglers coming across Lake Ontario
from Canada. When originally built, the 3.5 order Fresnel lens
provided the brightest light on the entire lake with a range of
over 14 miles. The original staircase was acquired from the Cleveland
Lighthouse when it was demolished in the late 19th Century. The
innkeeper quarters is in the style of the late Victorian era and
is considered quite ornate for a government building.
The howling winds and powerful
winter storms took its toll and cracks began to appear in the
magnificent tower after only a few years in service. Eventually,
most of the tower was removed and replaced with a skeleton metal
tower that was used until the early 1950s. In the following years,
the property was closed and neglected and was used by hunters
as a duck blind. All the windows were broken and it endured significant
water damage and was considered a haunted house by the local children.
Braddock Point Lighthouse
circa 1897 Photograph courtesy National Archives
Fortunately, the US government
sold the property to private hands and over the next 50+ years
the 