An iconic lighthouse along the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York, has been severely vandalized and set ablaze, causing extensive damage, including the loss of notable historic items.
The Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow, established in 1883 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, had just recently been reopened to the public following a two-year, $3.4 million renovation, according to Westchester County officials.
On Saturday morning, a county parks worker noticed smoke emanating from the distinctive five-story structure. After arriving on the scene, county police discovered significant interior damage and extinguished a small fire.
The first level of the lighthouse bore the brunt of the damage. Valuable antiques, furniture, and several historically significant pieces were destroyed. Notably, thirty-five books from as early as the 1800s were found scattered on the floor and damaged. Additionally, multiple windows were broken. County officials have estimated the damage to be at least $100,000, with that number likely to rise pending a complete assessment.
The Tarrytown Lighthouse is a cherished local landmark, and this act of vandalism has sparked considerable outrage. County Executive Ken Jenkins has labeled the incident “truly despicable” and has pledged to bring those responsible to justice. County police have since released surveillance photos of four young men near the lighthouse and are appealing for assistance in their identification. No arrests have been made at this time.
According to reliable sources, the recent renovation included the restoration and repainting of both interior and exterior sections. Windows were replaced, the structure stabilized, and significant repair work was carried out on the cast iron exterior, masonry, and wooden floors. The fire, however, damaged the wooden first floor extensively.
This development follows earlier reports that the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, approximately 80 miles upriver from Tarrytown, was seriously damaged in late April when a barge collided with it. Advocates have been working to prevent the 151-year-old lighthouse from disintegrating into the river.
