The Sherman Memorial Lighthouse, sometimes referred to as the Tionesta Lighthouse (as it is located in Tionesta, the county seat of Forest County), is the tallest lighthouse in Pennsylvania!
At 75 feet tall, the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse dwarfs the three historic lighthouses in Erie.
Although it is built along the banks of the Allegheny River, the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse in Tionesta serves no navigational purpose.
Instead, according to the plaque affixed to the lighthouse, the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse was built “as a beneficial landmark for the Tionesta community, and to serve as a place to preserve the heritage of the Sherman family”.
Without personally having met any of the Sherman family, I can tell their family heritage includes both a love of lighthouses AND a love of America!
Peace Park at the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse
Not only is the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse beautiful in its own right, but the wonderful Peace Park that surrounds the lighthouse allows you to take a leisurely stroll around “Lighthouse Island” and view other patriotic sculptures, statues, and historic replicas.
Starting down the Peace Park walking trail in a clockwise fashion, one of the first displays you’ll encounter is this “Love U.S. of America” sign.
A bit further down the path, this exceptional replica of the Statue of Liberty stands tall, directly opposite the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse on Lighthouse Island.
Installed in 2020, this beautiful replica of the Statue of Liberty is a fantastic addition to the Tionesta skyline.
Looping back towards the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse along the Peace Park walkway, this moving Freedom Memorial overlooks the Allegheny River.
Next to the Freedom Memorial you’ll find a functional replica of the Liberty Bell, allowing you to “Let Freedom Ring” in Forest County.
Past the Liberty Bell replica, you’ll find the Peace Park Chapel, near the base of the lighthouse.
And eventually the looping walkway around Peace Park brings you out back at the base of the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse.
Final Thoughts about the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse
I did not have a chance to explore the inside of the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse in Tionesta, as it is only open certain days of the year for tours and the day I visited was not one of them.
But merely viewing the lighthouse from the outside, along with taking in all the scenery in Peace Park and along the banks of the Allegheny River was more than satisfying.
This memorable quote on a stone near the lighthouse certainly applies to the Sherman family, as their gifts of the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse and the amazing Peace Park have certainly made Tionesta “a bit better and more beautiful”!
How to Find the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse in Tionesta
The Sherman Memorial Lighthouse is located at 5 Lighthouse Island, Tionesta, PA 16353.
If navigating by GPS coordinates, use 41.490081, -79.458223.
There is no charge to walk the grounds of Peace Park or explore the outside of the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse in Tionesta.
Related Articles
Exploring the Historic Lighthouses of Erie, PA will introduce you to the other 3 lighthouses in Pennsylvania that DID serve a navigational purpose for ships on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.
Exploring Beartown Rocks in Jefferson County will introduce you to a beautiful spot in the nearby Clear Creek State Forest that features an exceptional scenic overlook perched high atop a “rock city” dating back to the last Ice Age!
Exploring Logan Falls in Forest County introduces you to a gorgeous waterfall tucked away in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest.
Brady’s Bend Overlook in Clarion County is one of the finest roadside vistas in Pennsylvania!
Kinzua Bridge State Park in neighboring McKean County is home to what was once the longest and tallest railway bridge in the entire world – The Kinzua Viaduct.
The Elk Country Visitor Center in neighboring Elk County is located just outside Benezette, the epicenter of elk viewing in Pennsylvania!
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