In 1853, Congress authorized the construction of a lighthouse on Lime Rock in Newport harbor.

The original lighthouse was a short stone tower with a 6th order Fresnel lens and an oil-burning lantern.

In the beginning, the lighthouse keeper rowed from the shore daily to tend the light.

In case of foul weather, the lighthouse keeper could stay in a small wooden shanty.

The lighthouse is maintained as the clubhouse of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club.