Historic Westchester County Light House Vandalized

The History of The Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow, New York

The sight of Tarrytown Lighthouse sitting upon the Hudson River, might be one of the most scenic sights in Westchester County.

Former Westchester County Executive George Latimer said in 2024 “The Tarrytown Lighthouse is one of the most well-known landmarks in Westchester County."

According to the Visit Sleepy Hollow website the lighthouse, which has several aliases like Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, Tarrytown Lighthouse and Kingsland Point Lighthouse, was installed in 1883.

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It was a working lighthouse for over 78 years " warning ships away from dangerous shoals on the east side of the Hudson River." The light house was later deactivated in 1961 thanks to the building of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

The Tarrytown Lighthouse interior has been restored over the years and the lighthouse now acts as a museum that has old photos, and keeper's logs from when it was an active lighthouse.

Westchester County Authorities Investigate Vandalism Spree at Tarrytown Lighthouse

The Westchester County Police shared to social media that they are currently investigating an "arson fire and vandalism spree" that has unfortunately affected the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse.

Authorities say a Westchester County Parks employee discovered significant damage at the lighthouse around 9:40 am Saturday May 31st, 2025. The parks employee cited smoke conditions, broken windows and other property damage to authorities.

Sleepy Hollow Police and Fire Departments were called out to the scene to help put out a small fire at the light house as well. The case was later turned over to detectives from the General Investigations Unit.

Vandals Destroy Valuable Antiques Within Historic Lighthouse

Current County Executive Ken Jenkins said in a statement “The Tarrytown Lighthouse is one of our County’s most iconic and cherished landmarks,” adding:

“This was a truly despicable act, and we will do everything we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

The Tarrytown Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic places and the damage inside affected many valuable antique items.

On Facebook the Westchester Police Department lists the damage as follows:

• Significant fire damage to the flooring on the first floor;

• Multiple broken windows on the first and second floors;

• Multiple items destroyed, including valuable antiques, other furniture and items of historical significance;

• Damage to about 35 antique books that were removed from shelves and strewn about the floor.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact county police at (800)898-TIPS (8477) or by email at tips@wccops.com.

You Can Stay In This 1838 Lighthouse In Selkirk, New York

Stay at the Salmon River Lighthouse and Marina. The fully-operational Selkirk Lighthouse was built in 1838. Today you can spend the night through the spring, summer, and fall seasons.