On #NationalLighthouseDay, we're shining a light on some of the most visually-striking lighthouses across the United States. While most of the lighthouses mentioned below may serve primarily as architectural follies, they still echo their legacy of guiding safe passage and signaling impending danger in unforgiving waters.
1. Ponce De Leon Lighthouse, Florida
Constructed in 1887, this 175 foot lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the state of Florida, and boasts a hefty 203 steps to the top. It stands out for its beautiful, rich red hue.
2. Biloxi Lighthouse, Mississippi
Opened in 1848, this lighthouse has been maintained by female keepers for longer than any other lighthouse in the United States. It is the last remaining lighthouse among the 13 that once stood along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
3. Cape Lookout Lighthouse, North Carolina
Located in the Outer Banks, this diamond-patterned lighthouse is one of the few remaining lighthouses that operate during the day. It flashes every 15 seconds with visibility reaching anywhere from 12-19 miles off the coastline.
4. Lorain Harbor Lighthouse, Ohio
Also known as the Lorain West Breakwater Light, this lighthouse was used by the United States Army Corps of Engineers beginning in 1917. It was replaced by an automated light tower nearby in 1965.
5. Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine
This lighthouse was completed in 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in the state of Maine. It also sits on one of the busiest ports in the state within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine.
6. Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon
Sitting on top of a 205 foot headland, this lighthouse was named after Don Burnos Heceta, a Portuguese explorer who set sail from Mexico in 1775 to explore the Northwest Coast.
7. Eldred Rock Lighthouse, Alaska
This lighthouse was built in 1905 to combat the influx of shipwrecks during the 1898 Gold Rush. It is Alaska's oldest lighthouse, and the only octagonal-framed lighthouse of those built between the years 1902 and 1905.
8. Split Rock Lighthouse, Minnesota
Located near the North Shore of Lake Superior, this 54 foot lighthouse was designed by engineer Ralph Russell Tinkham and built by the United States Lighthouse Service. It was closed in 1969 after the emergence of modern navigational technology.
9. Mission Point Lighthouse, Michigan
This wooden lighthouse was recreated to resemble the Mama Jude Light, located on the Detroit River. It stands at 36 feet tall and resides on a peninsula 17 miles north of Traverse City.
10. Diamond Head Lighthouse, Hawaii
This lighthouse ensured the safe voyage of mariners for over 110 years. Located on the island of O'ahu, it is known as a United States Coast Guard facility. It made it on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
As we admire these architectural structures, let us not forget the protection and guidance they once provided. Let us know in the comments if you've visited any of these historical landmarks, or if you have some recommendations to add to the list!
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