The first beacon at Point Gratiot was constructed in 1827, along with a pierhead light located along Dunkirk Harbor. The two lights worked in tandom to guide ships into the safety of the harbor. The light was fitted with a 3rd order Fresnel lens in 1857 at the cost of $10,000, but the tower eventually fell into disrepair. The present day light was built in 1875 to replace the original beacon, and is still an active aid to navigation.
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This newer 61 ft. tall lighthouse features a cast iron spiral staircase, and an attached 2-story brick keeper's quarters. A wonderful military & nautical museum is now housed within. Also located on the museum grounds are one of the Buffalo Breakwater "Bottle" Lights, the 1917 Grand Island Rear Range Light, the 1939 Dunkirk Pierhead Light, a 40 ft. Lighthouse Buoy Tender, a 21 ft. Rescue Boat, and various anchors.
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