Pomham Rocks Lighthouse -  Rhode Island
Mailing Address:
Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse
P.O. Box 15121
Riverside, RI 02915
Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is a historic beacon situated on a small, half-acre island in the Providence River.   The lighthouse was constructed in 1871 in response to increasing maritime traffic and the need for navigational aids in the area.
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Prints & Downloads

Map

  • Captain Charles H. Salisbury (1871–1893)
    Appointed as the first keeper when the lighthouse was established on December 1, 1871. A Civil War veteran, he served until his death in May 1893 at the age of 89.
  • Mary Salisbury (1893)
    Following her husband's death, Mary briefly served as acting keeper from May to November 1893.
  • Nathaniel Dodge (1893–1898)
    Appointed in November 1893, he served until 1898.
  • Thomas S. Fishburne (1898–1908)
    Served as keeper for a decade. In 2024, he was honored with a U.S. Lighthouse Service grave marker at Ancient Little Neck Cemetery in Riverside, RI.
  • Adolph H. Aronson (1908–1937)
    Served nearly 30 years. Notably, his cat "Tommy" was known for diving into the sea to catch fish.
  • William J. Howard (1937–?)
    Succeeded Aronson in 1937. Known for rescuing four men in a drifting motorboat during his tenure.

Location

Public access to the lighthouse is available through guided boat tours organized by the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. Tours depart from the Edgewood Yacht Club in Cranston and are typically offered from June through August. Due to the island's terrain, visitors must be capable of navigating the boat ramp, uneven surfaces, and stairs without assistance directions.
​​Google Maps HERE

History

Although Pomham Rocks Lighthouse was less than a mile from shore, it had few of the comforts and amenities that mainland residents already took for granted at that time. There was no electricity, telephone, or running water at the station. The only light came from oil lamps, and for water, rain was collected from the roof and stored in a brick and concrete cistern. 

Like many old lighthouses, Pomham Rocks has its share of ghost stories—though nothing malevolent. Some visitors and volunteers have reported the sound of unexplained footsteps or the feeling of being watched. These gentle hauntings are often attributed to Captain Charles Salisbury, the first keeper, who served until his death in the keeper’s quarters in 1893. His dedication to the light may have outlived his earthly service.

One of the most beloved stories is that of Adolph H. Aronson, the keeper from 1908 to 1937, and his extraordinary cat Tommy. Tommy was no ordinary feline—he loved to fish. According to accounts, Tommy would leap off the rocks into the Providence River and return with a fish in his mouth. His antics made him a local celebrity and a favorite among lighthouse visitors.
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Today, Pomham Rocks Lighthouse operates as an active aid to navigation and serves as a museum showcasing maritime history. The interior has been restored to reflect its historical appearance, with exhibits including the original fourth-order Fresnel lens used from 1926 to 1974

Photography

LENS - 200mm would create great images from the shoreline.  1/4 Mile Drone Flight from Goat Island