New York is home to one of the largest collections of historic lighthouses in the United States, reflecting the state’s long maritime history along the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. More than 70 lighthouses have guided ships along the waters of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Hudson River, and the coast of Long Island. Many of these lights were built during the 19th century as commercial shipping expanded through the Erie Canal and across the Great Lakes. Well-known examples include Montauk Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York, and Buffalo Main Light, which helped guide vessels through the busy harbor on Lake Erie. Today many New York lighthouses are preserved as museums or historic landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into the state’s maritime heritage while continuing to serve as iconic landmarks along its shores.