The Historic Blackwell Island Lighthouse in New York City

The historic Blackwell Island Lighthouse is located in New York City, New York. The island is known by three different names: Blackwell Island, Roosevelt Island and Welfare Island. It sits on the northeast tip of the island and was built in 1872 by architect James Renwick Jr. When you look at it...you'll see that it was built in the Gothic Revival Style.

Over the years various facilities have been located on the island such as the New York Lunatic Asylum, a city hospital and a famous penitentiary that housed some of the most dangerous criminals from the city. There are many legends, rumors and gossip that surrounds the lighthouse and the island...some that is true and some not. I guess it depends on who you ask.

Blackwell Island Lighthouse stands 50 feet tall and made from stone that was mined from the island by inmates who resided at the penitentiary. The tower is made of stone and constructed in an octagonal shape. The light was operational until 1940 and over the years restoration was conducted until finally completed in 1998.

The lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was designated a New York City Landmark list in 1976. You can get to Roosevelt Island by taking the Roosevelt Island Tram from Manhattan, the subway train, or by car via the 36th Avenue Bridge from Queens. If your a tourist and looking for some of the best views...consider taking a New York City boat tour.