Barcelona Lighthouse
Barcelona Light, also known as Portland Harbor Light, is a lighthouse overlooking Barcelona Harbor on Lake Erie in the Town of Westfield, New York.
The First Natural Gas Lighthouse. Finished in 1829, the 40-foot tall Barcelona Lighthouse (Portland Harbor) was the very first natural gas lighthouse in the world. It was in Federal Lighthouse Service until 1859. At that time it became privately held through various owners until 2007, when New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation acquired it. Though it no longer has the original lens, nor is used for navigational purposes, it is still lit and visible today through an agreement with the Town of Westfield. The lighthouse is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historical Places.
The lighthouse was established in 1829 through the efforts of Thomas B. Campbell. The conical tower and attached keeper’s cottage were constructed of fieldstone, with a natural, emplaced foundation. The light was emitted by eleven lamps with 14-inch reflectors. It was the first lighthouse in the world to be powered by natural gas, which Campbell transported from a “burning spring” about a mile distant by means of wooden pipes. Thirty years later, in 1859, the lighthouse was deactivated, but it still stands lit today after over 100 years in private ownership, it is now owned by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
Where it is:
From Interstate 90, take Exit 60 and go north on Portage Road to Highway 5. Turn right on Highway 5, and the lighthouse will be on your left after just a short distance. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation acquired Barcelona Lighthouse in 2008, and the keeper’s cottage is now home to the Westfield Visitor Center during the summer.
GPS:
42°20’27.846″ N 79°35’41.754″ W
Hours:
The grounds are open year-round for visitation.
10am-5pm daily, May 24 (Memorial Day Weekend) through September 1 (Labor Day)
10am-5pm Weekends (Sat & Sun) after Labor Day until Columbus Day.
Due to staffing shortages, the tower occasionally may not be open from 12:00-12:30 pm and/or the gift shop may be unavailable.
Cost:
There is currently no admission fee.
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