Native American Legends
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Siwanoy Native Americans from Connecticut believed that the Evil Spirit, Habboamoko, used Stepping Stones as a foothold as he fled Connecticut across the Long Island Sound at low tide after the Battle for Connecticut.
European Settlers
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Early maps noted the reefs in the Long Island Sound as “Devil’s Stepping Stones” after the Native American legend
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The name “Devil’s Stepping Stones” persisted until 1877 when the lighthouse opened for the first time thought the named was shorted to “Stepping Stones.”
The Lighthouse
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In June 1866, $6,000 was allocated for the creation of a day beacon in the western Long Island Sound.
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In 1875, construction began by A.D. Cook and a band of Irish bargemen and stonemasons
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The dwelling was completed in January of 1877, despite “1876” being carved into the building
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The lighthouse officially opened on March 1, 1877
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First optic was a Fifth Order Fresnel lens showing a fixed, red light
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After the opening of Stepping Stones, the value of New York City imports increased by 63%, proving Stepping Stones’ worth as an important channel marker for New York harbor.
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In 1932, the light was changed to a Fourth Order Fresnel lens showing a fixed, green light
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Lighthouse was updated and modernized in 1944
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The modern, flashing fixed greed light was installed during automation in October 1966
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The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 15, 2005
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In 2006, the lighthouse was deemed “surplus” and offered at no cost to various groups to repurpose the lighthouse into a public attraction
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In 2008, the Town of North Hempstead gained custody of the lighthouse from the federal government
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In 2012, the Stepping Stones Lighthouse Preservation Society was established with the help of the Town of North Hempstead.
Location
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Official Name: Stepping Stones Light
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1,600 yards offshore of Elms Point, Kings Point
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Situated on the northernmost reef in the Long Island Sound
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Between North Hempstead and City Island
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Guards the approach to New York City’s East River
Design
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Square, red brick keeper’s dwelling topped with a mansard, Parisian styled, roof and attached to a square tower. The building is sitting on a round granite platform resting on a riprap foundation.
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Style is considered Second Empire Victorian
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Base Diameter: 48 Feet
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Height: 49 Feet above Sea Level
Quick Facts
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US Coast Guard Light List Number: 21505
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Current Light Characteristics: Flashing green every 4 seconds
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Color of the Lighthouse: Red
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Focal Plane: 46 Feet
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Range: 8 Nautical Miles
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Current Use: Active Aid to Navigation
View North Hempstead’s Video of Stepping Stones at