Title:

First Light

Description:

The Buffalo lighthouse built on this site in 1818 was one of the first two American-built lights on the Great Lakes. It was replaced by the still-standing 1833 lighthouse, and was torn down in the 1850s; the lighthouse keepers quarters, also on this site, continued in use into the twentieth century.

The first steamship on the upper lakes, the Walk-in-the-Water, wrecked on the Lake Erie beach near this spot in the fall of 1821. Wrote Mrs. Alanson W. Welton, a survior: "The boat struck the beach in a fortunate spot for the safety of the passengers and crew, near the lighthouse, and all were saved. The warm fire-side we gathered around at the lighthouse was comforting to our chilled limbs, and our hearts warmed with gratitude to God for deliverance from our peril."

Erected by:

Buffalo Lighthouse Association.

Location:

Buffalo Coast Guard Base.