1878 – Chapman Shoal, Saint Lawrence River, New York.—Night navigation on the Saint Lawrence River would be much facilitated by the establishment of one light on Chapman Shoal, a dangerous rock in midchannel, just awash, one mile below Clayton, and of another light on the northwest point of Carleton Island, the latter to guide past shoals on both sides of the channel between the island and the town of Cape Vincent, just above. No appropriation is recommended for this purpose at present.

1891 — Carlton Island, St. Lawrence River, New York.—The following recommendation which was made in the Board’s last annual report is renewed:
Several petitions for the establishment of a light on this island have been received the past eight years, notably in 1883 and in 1888, but on each occasion has been made the subject of an adverse report. The number and size of the vessels used in the navigation of the St. Lawrence River has increased yearly. The character and demands of this trade have also changed, and where heretofore vessels would lay up rather than make night passages, they are now compelled by close competition to economize time and do so. The channel for large vessels near Carlton Island crosses from the American to the Canadian side, and is both dark and obscure. The establishment here of a small light-station, similar to that at Cross-Over Island, St. Lawrence River, at a cost of $8,600, is suggested, and an appropriation of that amount is recommended therefor.

1892 — Carlton Island, St. Lawrence River, New York.—The following recommendation, which was made in the Board’s last two annual reports, is renewed.

1893 — Carlton Inland, St. Lawrence River, New York —The establishment of this light, at a cost not to exceed $8,000, was authorized by the act approved February 15, 1893, but no appropriation therefor has yet been made. The Board recommends that the amount named be appropriated.

1894 — Carlton Island, St. Lawrence River, New York —The following statement made in the Board’s last annual report, is repeated:
The establishment of this light, at a cost not to exceed $8,600, was authorized by the act approved February 15,1893, but no appropriation therefor has yet been made. The Board recommends that the amount named be appropriated.

1895 — Carlton Island, St. Lawrence River, New York —The following statement, made in the Board’s last two annual reports, is repeated:
The establishment of this light, at a cost not to exceed $8,600, was authorized by the act approved February 15, 1893, but no appropriation therefor has yet been made. The Board recommends that the amount named be appropriated.

The Board is now of the opinion that this light can be established for $6,000, and recommends that an appropriation of this amount be made therefor.

1896 — Carlton Island, St. Lawrence River, New York.—By act of Congress approved June 11, 1896, an appropriation of $6,000 was made for the establishment of a light-station on or near this island. Necessary action to establish the station will be taken at an early date.

1897 – Carlton Island, St. Laiorence River, New York.—A site for this light station was selected and a survey made embracing an area of about two acres on the westerly side of Carlton Island. The necessary steps are being taken to acquire a title to the land.

1898 – Carlton Island light-station, New York.—The title to the site was conveyed to the United States. Bids were opened June 20, 1898, and contract was made for the building of the station structures.

1899 – Carlton Island, St. Lawrence River, New York.—The buildings were completed, including a mast for suspending the light, which was first exhibited on the opening of navigation, 1899. Some 121 feet of board and 253 feet of gravel walks were laid, connecting the station structures with each other.

1902 – Carleton Island, St. Lawrence River, New York.—Some 10 rods of iron-wire fence were set up on the boundary lines of the lot, extending the fence previously erected from its north and west ends to the water. The boat ways carried away by the ice were rebuilt, and the wharf was protected with stone. Various repairs were made.

1912 – Hector V. de Grasse, keeper of Carleton Island light station, M.Y., has been commended for rendering assistance to two men and a woman in a disabled power boat in the vicinity of the station.

1914 – Carleton Island Light, N.Y. Plans are under way to improve this light by erecting an 85 foot skeleton steel tower in place of the present wooden mast, and installing a flashing acetylene light.

1915 – Carleton Island Light Station—Characteristic Changed. The characteristic of Carleton Island Light was changed on April 5, 1915, from a fixed white oil light to an acetylene flashing white light every 3 seconds, flash 0.3 seconds duration, of 230 candlepower. The light is shown from a white, square, pyramidal skeleton tower with enclosed base, 107 feet above water, 50 yards 109° from former position of light. The old wooden spar which formerly supported the light was removed.

Charles H. Tucker (1898 – 1904), Robert Allen (1904 – 1909), Hector V. de Grasse (1909 – 1914).

The light is best seen by boat.

The lighthouse is privately owned. Grounds closed.

Find the closest hotels to Carleton Island Lighthouse