There are probably many lighthouse fans who dream about living in a lighthouse along the waterfront. And what could be more charming than one in New England just a short drive from the capital city of Rhode Island? Well unfortunately for some that don't own one ... when Sotheby’s International announced the sale of the Bristol Ferry Lighthouse who knew it would be sold within a few weeks. And more than the asking price. Located south of Bristol on Old Ferry Road the vintage Bristol Ferry Light now has a new owner. Positioned under the under the Mount Hope Bridge, the lighthouse was built during the mid 1800s. Located on a point, with views of the East Passage and Mount Hope Bay, the lighthouse was needed because of shoals extending from both shorelines. Even though the strait was over a half mile wide, coming through from Narragansett Bay was especially treacherous. The light station became operational in October 1855, when its sixth-order lens was lit.
   While flooding plagued the lighthouse for years, operations ceased permanently in 1927 when the well lit Mount Hope River Bridge was completed above it. After Bristol Ferry Lighthouse was retired from service and its lens removed, the lighthouse was put up for sale in 1929. The lighthouse was sold to a local resident for the bid of 2050 dollars.

     Area Map