Prudence Island Light was originally built in 1823, on Goat Island in Newport harbor. It was moved to Sandy Point on Prudence Island in 1851 when a newer light was built on Goat Island at a more strategic location. The 4th order Fresnel lens is still active, aiding navigation into Providence along the Eastern Narragansett Bay. It is also Rhode Island's oldest existing light.
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During a fierce hurricane in 1938, all the station's buildings (except the light) were swept away to sea, along with the keeper, his wife & son, and a few guests. Only the keeper survived when a wave washed him back to shore. The lost buildings were never rebuilt, & the light was soon automated. We viewed the light in the fall of 1998 aboard the Harbour Lights Reunion scenic cruise.
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