Rhode Island Picture Post Cards
North Lighthouse - New Shorham, Block Island, RI - Circa 1960

The first lighthouse was built on this site in 1829 to mark the entrance to the Long Island Sound and warn sailors away from Sandy Point which extends several miles out from Block Island.

Two additional structures were built in 1837 and in 1857. The present lighthouse, (North Light) was built in 1867 approximately 700 yards from the end of the point. (The three previous lighthouses were known as the "Sandy Point Light.") 

The North Light was automated in 1956 and deactivated in 1973. A tower was built a short distance away replacing the old light.

In 1989, the town of New Shorham received a Federal grant of $400,000.00 and the building was restored. North Light was opened to the public as a Museum on August 5, 1989.