Buffalo Harbor South Entrance Light
Also known as: Buffalo Harbor South Entrance Light Station; Buffalo South Side Light Station
Why it's listed
Buffalo Harbor South Entrance Light sits at Stony Point in Lackawanna, New York, on the south breakwater of Buffalo Harbor in Lake Erie. Established in 1903, it marked the southern entry into the outer harbor. The property has three historic parts: a 43-foot conical cast iron tower with a red-glazed lantern, a one-story concrete fog signal building with a barrel-vault roof and sound reflector, and an L-shaped concrete pier that carries both buildings. An enclosed passageway links the tower and the fog signal building. The original fourth order Fresnel lens, made in Paris, began operating in September 1903. The optic was removed in 1993, and a modern solar-powered beacon on a steel pole now serves as the navigation aid. Keepers lived in a separate duplex onshore, and three keepers were assigned from 1918 until automation in 1962. It was the last manned light station in Buffalo Harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard owns the property, which is reached by boat or across adjoining steel mill land.
Significance in brief: The form treats the property as a surviving Lighthouse Board-era light station that guided vessels into Buffalo's outer harbor. Its three historic resources are described as very much the same as when built, apart from removed equipment. The station was the last manned light station in Buffalo Harbor, automated in 1962.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 07001191, listed November 16, 2007. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Stony Pt. end of Buffalo Harbor S breakwater, Lackawanna |
|---|---|
| County | Erie County |
| Listed | November 16, 2007 |
| Reference number | 07001191 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Architectural style | No Style |
| Areas of significance | Maritime History, Transportation, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The optic was discontinued and removed in 1993. A modern automated beacon on the pier still operates. The fog signal building and tower show deterioration, with roof holes and corroded metalwork. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 42.83341, -78.86730 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 07001191.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4985746
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.