view no. 20: the Saugerties Lighthouse

Watercolor on Linen / 14“ X 19.5”

During the fourth day of Hudson’s journey, the ship passed another Native American village at the mouth of the Esopus Creek. It was to become a very busy harbor for the City of Saugerties- home of iron works, paper mills, and other industries.  To guide the intense boat traffic a lighthouse was built in 1835. After a fire in 1869, it was rebuilt as it exists today.

Soon after it was automated in 1954, the lighthouse was abandoned and in 1990 it was restored as one of the seven lighthouses that remain on the river. It was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it serves as a museum and popular bed & breakfast facility.