Rhode Island Picture Post Cards
Southeast Light House - Block Island, RI - Early 1900's
(Scroll Down for History of the Lighthouse)

Block Island is located approximately 8.5 miles off the coast of Rhode Island. The Southeast Lighthouse was constructed in 1873, shortly after steamship service to the island had begun.

The Southeast Lighthouse is one of nine lighthouses in the U.S. that have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. The lighthouse was originally constructed 355 feet from the edge of Mohegan Bluff, which rises 150 feet above sea level on the Southeast corner of Block Island, however by 1993, years of erosion had left only 55 feet between the lighthouse and the cliffs. In August 1993, the lighthouse was moved 360 feet back from the cliffs by a system of steel rails.

The Southeast Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions in Rhode Island and is visited annually by thousands of tourists. It is constructed of red brick and the tower is 52 feet in height. The current light is a first order Fresnel that was originally used by the Cape Lookout Lighthouse in North Carolina. The lighthouse was deactivated in 1990 and reactivated in 1994; it is currently an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation.

Year-Around ferry service to Block Island  is available from Point Judith, Rhode Island and seasonal ferry service is available from New London, Connecticut and Montauk Point, Long Island, New York.