Hudson-Athens New York

Harbour Lights Limited Edition #230

Twenty-five miles south of Albany, in the center of the Hudson River, this elegant brick lighthouse rises from a granite caisson. Located between Athens and Hudson City, the beacon was established in 1874 to guide mariners away from a shallow mud shoal.

Determined to protect the foundation from dangerous ice floes, engineers added an extension to deflect ice. With its Second Empire architecture and graceful mansard roof, the sentinel is undoubtedly one of the most ornate among Hudson River light stations.

It was automated in 1949. Although the ravages of time have begun to take its toll, since 1984 there has been a concerted effort by volunteers to restore the station. There is even hope to open the lighthouse to the public in the near future.  

Photographs © Harbour Lights by Paul L. Brady
December 13, 2001