“Discover the Fascinating History and Haunted Tales of America’s Lighthouses for Sale”

One lies on a reef that was charted in 1614 by a Dutch captain near New York. Another offers great views of the city of Cleveland, but can only be reached by boat. At the third, a drowned lighthouse keeper is said to still haunt.

The US government want off of ten lighthouses. Some are on general sale, others can be taken over for free as long as they keep a public function. Most of the towers are over a century old.

Because modern technology such as GPS has taken over many tasks these days, the US government regularly disposes of lighthouses. Since 2000, about 80 have been transferred to local authorities or foundations and 70 have been sold. Some are now furnished as homes, for example.

“The heroism of the lone lighthouse keeper still appeals to many people,” spokesman John Kelly told the AP news agency about the appeal of this property. “And they are often built in prominent locations with breathtaking views.”

He cites the Warwick Neck Light in Rhode Island as an example. 15 meters high, just under two centuries old. “It sits on a bluff overlooking Narragansett Bay and really has the wow factor.”

Other lighthouses have special stories associated with them. For example, the octagonal Plymouth Lighthouse stands where America’s first female lighthouse keeper worked. Hannah Thomas took over from her husband John when he died of smallpox in the American Revolutionary War.

The beacon failed to prevent a freighter from running aground during a storm in 1778. A rescue operation across the frozen bay came too late for the 72 on board who froze to death under the watchful light of the lighthouse.

About the Penfield Reef Lighthouse is in Connecticut told the ghost story that the dead lighthouse keeper still haunts it. Around Christmas 1916, he drowned while sailing to the mainland in a storm to bring gifts to his family. His successor was the first to speak of inexplicable chills and mysterious shadows.

Potential buyers should also consider more practical matters. For example, a mishorn is still in use at Plymouth, operated remotely by the Coast Guard.

The building off the coast of Cleveland can be encased in ice in harsh winters. Picturesque, but also clumsy.