Execution Rocks / Long Island Sound
by Wolfgang Schippke, DC3MF

LighthouseThe Execution Rock Lighthouse from 1777

Close east of City Island, New York City, lies Hart Island, which is fronted by the Execution Rocks (40N55, 73W43), a chain of rocky islands. On the principle rock stands a light, constructed in 1867 and rebuilt in 1907. This light, 62 ft high and became automated in 1979. A second light was errected on Great Execution Rock in 1875, but destroyed later on by the sea.

The Execution Rocks were originaly named by the Dutch Captain Block as Oyster Bay Rocks, but renamed to Execution Rocks after several natives were executed on Great Rock in 1777. Another legend sayed that Execution Rocks were named for the many vessels lost on the rocks, and the hundrets of sailorswho lost here life.