Barcelona Lighthouse
🔥 The First Lighthouse in the World Powered by Natural Gas — Lit by a Burning Spring on Lake Erie — Barcelona Lighthouse in Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, built 1828, first lit 1829, first lighthouse worldwide powered by natural gas, gas collected from natural “burning spring” and piped through wooden pipes, Portland Harbor (now Barcelona) on Lake Erie, decommissioned 1859, National Register of Historic Places (1972), restored beacon relit — Chautauqua County, NY
In the early 1800s, there was a spring near the shore of Lake Erie that burned. Gas bubbled up from the earth, and if you held a flame to it, the water itself seemed to catch fire. The locals called it the “burning spring.”
In 1828, someone had an idea: pipe the gas to a lighthouse. They ran wooden pipes from the burning spring to a new stone tower on the bluff above Portland Harbor. In 1829, the Barcelona Lighthouse became the first lighthouse in the world powered by natural gas — decades before the commercial gas industry existed.
What to See
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| The Lighthouse | Stone tower built 1828. The first lighthouse in the world to use natural gas as fuel. Restored and maintained as a historic site |
| Keeper’s Cottage | Historic lighthouse keeper’s residence adjacent to the tower. Together they form the National Register listing |
| Restored Beacon | Through an agreement with the Town of Westfield, the beacon has been restored and is lit again as a commemorative display |
| Lake Erie Shoreline | The lighthouse sits on the bluff above the former Portland Harbor. Views across Lake Erie. The “burning spring” was nearby |
The Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 1800s | Local residents discover a natural gas seep near the Lake Erie shore — the “burning spring.” Gas bubbles from the ground and ignites when exposed to flame |
| 1828 | The Barcelona Lighthouse is constructed on the bluff above Portland Harbor. Wooden pipes are laid from the burning spring to the tower |
| 1829 | The lighthouse is first lit — the first lighthouse in the world powered by natural gas. A technological innovation decades ahead of its time |
| 1829–1859 | The lighthouse guides ships into Portland Harbor on Lake Erie. The gas supply is sometimes sporadic, requiring temporary use of oil |
| 1859 | The Federal Lighthouse Service decommissions the Barcelona Lighthouse. The harbor has declined in commercial importance |
| 1972 | Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Recognized as a pioneering achievement in energy technology |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ☀️ Lake Erie at its best. Full daylight for photography. Combine with Chautauqua Lake and wine country |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 🍂 Fall foliage along Lake Erie. Grape harvest season in Chautauqua County. Spectacular light |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Lake Erie thawing. Wildflowers. Fewer visitors |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Lake-effect snow. Dramatic winter lakefront. Limited access |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did they pipe natural gas in 1828?
Through wooden pipes — hollowed-out logs. The gas seeped naturally from the ground at the “burning spring” and was collected and channeled through these primitive wooden conduits to the lighthouse. This was decades before the commercial natural gas industry developed in the 1850s and 1860s.
Why was it decommissioned?
Portland Harbor declined in commercial importance. As shipping patterns changed and other ports grew, the harbor at Barcelona became less critical. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1859 after 30 years of service.
Can I go inside?
The lighthouse is a historic site managed by NY State Parks. Exterior viewing is generally available. Check with the local historical society for interior access during special events and open house dates.
🔥 The Burning Spring That Lit a Lighthouse
Gas bubbling from the earth. Wooden pipes to a stone tower. 1829 — the first lighthouse in the world powered by natural gas. Decades before anyone drilled a gas well.
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