[3][2][4] The lighthouse stands on the west side of the channel, in the river, its granite foundation built atop piles that have been driven into the riverbed, and is accessible only by boat.

By 1867, however, the building was heavily damaged by flood and ice and funds for a new lighthouse were appropriated in 1870.

The most serious problem was the deterioration of the foundation, which had begun to fall apart due to ice damage.

They eventually took ownership in September 2002, as part of the pilot program for the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

[6] It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 as Esopus Meadows Lighthouse.