Ashtabula
By Al Hart

The present Ashtabula light is the fourth to be located here. The first light was built in 1836, followed by other structures in 1876, and 1905.

The present square iron and steel structure was moved to the north end of the west Ashtabula breakwater in 1916. The tower stands 40 feet above Lake Erie.

Access to the light is only by boat and is difficult to photograph.

The historical photographs and text are displayed courtesy of the Great Lakes Historical Society, Vermilion, Ohio. They were taken from the Society's 2003 Calendar and were edited by Al Hart. Image may not be reproduced with the expressed permission of GLHS.

Click on images to enlarge.
   
First 1835 Light in 1859

Current 1916 Lighthouse
Photo by Jim Davis

2009 view showing new dock
Photo by Mike Adley

A series of current photos by Mike Hadley

• Ladder to the lantern

• View from the breakwater

• View from the water

• View from the water showing concrete foundation deterioration

• View of Ashtabula Harbor and Conrail coal dock

• Working to free the iron shutters

• Another view from the water

• Helical bar lantern and solar panel

• American Victory entering the harbor as viewed from the lantern

• Winter in Ashtabula

• View along the breakwater

• Corps of Engineers doing stabilization work

• Interior main floor