Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse — Attraction in City of Rochester

My girlfriend and I walked with a friend from Schaller’s on Edgemere to the beach, deciding to check out the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse in the process. The staff are all very welcoming and knowledgeable about different aspects of lighthouse and maritime history as they pertain to Rochester. One of the docents led us on a tour through the rooms, pointing out items from the lighthouse’s history and regaling us with its history, such as the 33 farmers who used a clever rouse to convince the British that an entire army was camped on the coast during the War of 1812, thereby preventing an invasion.

We had the opportunity to climb with the tower. The lighthouse is only 40 feet tall, but it sits atop a 40-foot bluff, giving it 80 feet of elevation. The docent at the top explained to us of sediment deposits and years of industrialization had pushed the lake coast outward so that the lighthouse no longer sits at the point where the Genesee River empties into Lake Ontario; rather, it’s slightly upstream from the current point of connection. The light room guide explained the current 4-th order Fresnel lens and how it still acts as a signal light for the lake in case boaters lost the ability to use modern directional equipment. He then gave us stickers in celebration for climbing to the top.

Though there was a light rain, it was still a lovely day and a great spot to visit. I most appreciated all of the docents and how they each brought their different areas of expertise...

Constructed in 1822 of stone and decommissioned in 1881 and then returned to active service in 2014, the Charlotte Genesee Light is a lovely example of some of the earliest lighthouses. 40 feet tall and in an octagonaly shape it is next to but not attached to the keeper's house. The light was originally lit by whale oil lamps but those were replaced by a proper Fresnel lens in 1853.

Not open for tours on this late weekday afternoon but the grounds are open and you can have a proper walk around. Even on a somewhat cloudy day, it is a beauty!

There are a number of captions and other things to see on the property including the original well, the original keeper's...

I really like that there is a small picnic area and information on the War of 1812 between the Americans and the British which led to eventual Independence for Canada and solidified the independence of the United States.

In addition to the picnic tables and benches scattered around the site, the lighthouse itself is a sturdy Stone and Mortar construction which none should fear to climb. Inside the lighthouse is a time tested spiral staircase which has safely seen visitors from all over the world. Once you ascend, the view from the light room is excellent. On a clear day you can see many miles up the coast in both directions, with the exceptions of a few modern...