Barcelona, NY
Posted by: 
Rayman
N 42° 20.465 W 079° 35.675
17T E 615770 N 4688603
Barcelona, NY is a small village along the shores of Lake Erie and features the first gas powered lighthouse in the world.
Waymark Code: WM44DP
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 07/05/2008
Views: 32
From
New York: A Guide to the Empire State along Tour 11 (NY Route 5):
BARCELONA, 60.3 m. (600 alt.,300 pop.) is a sea-food town, earning a living by fishing; fish frys are a featured dish on restaurant menus. The lighthouse on the lake shore, erected in 1821, was lighted for several years by natural gas piped in hollow logs from a gas spring near the village.
The first Europeans to land here were on a military mission to cut a route to Chautauqua Lake along an old Native American trail. Later the harbor became a thriving commercial port until the railroads took over. Today a vital fishing industry has given way to mostly recreational use.
Contrary to the Guide, the lighthouse wasn't built until 1828. It was the first gas powered lighthouse in the world. It remained in service until only 1859. Today it's a private residence, and at the time of this visit was up for sale for $725,000.