Southeast Lighthouse | New Shoreham

The Southeast Lighthouse is a historic navigational aid located on Block Island, within the municipality of New Shoreham, Rhode Island, USA.

This structure served as a critical marker for maritime traffic entering and exiting the waters off the island's southeastern coast.

Visual Characteristics

The lighthouse is an octagonal tower constructed of brick, measuring 52 feet (16 meters) in height. It is painted white with a black lantern room. The tower is topped by a red conical roof. The original Fresnel lens, a first-order lens manufactured by Henry Lepaute of Paris, is still housed within the lantern room.

Location & Access Logistics

The Southeast Lighthouse is situated at the southern tip of Block Island, approximately 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) south of the main settlement of Old Harbor. Access is via Corn Neck Road, which transitions to Mohegan Trail. Parking is available at the lighthouse site. No public transport directly serves the lighthouse; visitors typically arrive by car, bicycle, or on foot from Old Harbor.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Southeast Lighthouse was completed in 1883. It was built to replace an earlier lighthouse that was succumbing to coastal erosion. The lighthouse was automated in 1990 and decommissioned in 1997. The site is located on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, an area subject to significant coastal erosion.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the lighthouse tower, including the lantern room, during scheduled hours. The site offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding coastline. Educational exhibits detailing the lighthouse's history and the maritime importance of Block Island are present. The adjacent Mohegan Bluffs provide opportunities for observation and photography.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the lighthouse visitor center. Limited shade is provided by the lighthouse structure itself and nearby trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are not present at the lighthouse; visitors should plan to bring their own provisions or dine in Old Harbor.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting conditions for photography, the late afternoon hours (approximately 2-3 hours before sunset) offer favorable illumination of the lighthouse and coastline. The best months for visiting are from May through October, when weather conditions are generally mild and ferry services to Block Island are most frequent. High tide is not a factor for access to the lighthouse itself.

Facts & Legends

Due to severe erosion, the Southeast Lighthouse was moved 360 feet (110 meters) inland in 1993. This complex engineering feat involved lifting the entire structure and relocating it on steel rails. The original lighthouse keeper's cottage now serves as a museum and gift shop.

Nearby Landmarks

• Mohegan Bluffs (0.2km West)
• Black Rock (1.5km Southwest)
• North Lighthouse (7.0km North)
• Clay Head Nature Preserve (4.5km North)
• Rodman's Hollow (3.0km Northwest)