Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse

Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse It was constructed to replace the original Fairport Harbor Lighthouse, which now serves as a marine museum.

History:
The Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light was built in 1925 and sits in Painesville Township, Ohio at the mouth of the Grand River. The original Fairport Harbor lighthouse protected the shore and directed mariners for 100 years before being falling into disrepair. In June 1917, Congress appropriated $42,000 for the construction of a new breakwater light. That funding included monies that

would be used to demolish the original lighthouse. However, the reality of destroying the older lighthouse didn’t sit well with the citizens of Fairport and as a result, the Secretary of Commerce agreed to let the old lighthouse remain. Despite having Congressional funding to begin, the outbreak of World War I delayed construction for several years. Constructed in Buffalo, New York, the iron frame was made of steel studding, floor beams, rafters, side and roof plating, cast-iron cornices, sills and lintels, which were riveted and bolted permanently together. This prefabricated section was secured by steel cables and transported aboard the steamer Wotan, 147 miles to Fairport Harbor. Once in Ohio, the interior mason and finish work was completed and the lantern room and lens were installed. On June 9, 1925, the Fairport Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse was illuminated for the first time. Today:
The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, (NHLPA), an amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, provides a mechanism for the disposal of federally-owned historic light stations. It also recognizes the “cultural, recreational, and educational value associated with historic light station properties” and makes these properties initially available at no cost to federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit corporations, educational agencies, and community development organizations education, park, recreation, cultural or historic preservation purposes for the general public. If no suitable organization is found, the General Services Administration conducts online auctions for these lighthouses. As a result, in 2005, the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse was deemed surplus government property by the U.S. Coast Guard. Under the terms of disposition of this unique and historic type of surplus government property, the lighthouse was first offered at no cost to eligible organizations such as federal, state, and local agencies, non-profit corporations, and educational organizations. Despite the application period being extended, no qualified organizations came forth, so the lighthouse was auctioned off by the General Services Administration beginning in 2009. Several unsuccessful auctions were held until the lighthouse was brought in August 2011 by a private citizen. It is now being restored and will be used as a summer vacation home.

On the lighthouse's official 101st Birthday, June 9th, we'd like to share this historic photo. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
06/09/2026

On the lighthouse's official 101st Birthday, June 9th, we'd like to share this historic photo. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

My boy was just 1! So cute.
06/06/2026

My boy was just 1! So cute.

06/05/2026
06/05/2026
As we get ready to celebrate the lighthouse's 101st Birthday, enjoy these stunning photos by Daryl Thomas.
06/05/2026

As we get ready to celebrate the lighthouse's 101st Birthday, enjoy these stunning photos by Daryl Thomas.

Thanks to the National Museum of the Great Lakes for having Mom as part of its Spring Speakers Series. She had a blast t...
06/04/2026

Thanks to the National Museum of the Great Lakes for having Mom as part of its Spring Speakers Series. She had a blast talking all about ME.

And if you haven't been to this museum, GO! What an amazing collection and truly beautiful space and exhibits. Worth the trip!

Blue moon over Fairport Harbor.
05/31/2026

Blue moon over Fairport Harbor.

These are great! And I'm on it!!
05/27/2026

These are great! And I'm on it!!

And the ice is leaving. Photo by Andrew Cross Photography
03/08/2026

And the ice is leaving. Photo by Andrew Cross Photography

Great photos of me by Robert Schleimer.
02/24/2026

Great photos of me by Robert Schleimer.

Address

1 Coast Guard Road
Fairport Harbor, OH
44077

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse:

Shortcuts

Share

Category