Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) An act to erect a light-house on Montok point in the state of New York

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03396 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Document signed Date: 12 April 1792 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 40.5 x 24.6 cm. Order a Copy

Signed by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State. Describes the steps to be taken before construction, such as the appointment of a caretaker and the appropriation of funds. Printed below the act are Speaker of the House Jonathan Trumbull's and Vice-President John Adams' names. Also printed is President Washington's name designating approval of the act on 12 April 1792. Enacted by Congress on 24 October 1791.

The Montauk Point Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. Lighthouse construction began on June 7, 1796 and was completed on November 5, 1796. This 100 foot tower has been part of Long Island's land and seascape for over 200 years and still serves as an active aid to navigation.

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Trumbull, Jonathan, 1740-1809

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