Since the early eighteenth century, when the first lighthouses were erected on
founding colony shores, ships have looked to these tall mystic structures for safe
guidance through coastal and inlet waters, bays, harbors and ports. For more than a
century their lights were fueled by oil and then by kerosene in the 1870's. The turn of
the century brought electricity.
While the light may may the soul of the lighthouse, its lens is its redeemer. In
refracting and magnifying the light, the lens casts a powerful bean through the sky; it's
radiance visible for miles at sea. Seven lens sizes, referred to as orders range from ten
inches to more than six feet. First...second...and third order lenses are used in coastal
lighthouses. Harbor and bay lights are equipped with fourth...fifth...and sixth order
lenses. A three and one half lens is used over waters such as the Great Lakes.
Just as the source of light has changed over the years, so has the role of the
lighthouse. Automation and navigational technology have amended or ended the
functions of these beacons. The keeps of the light rarely live on sight these days.
There's still much to learn, know and cherish about these towers of light....Coast to
Coast.
As much as they depict history and appearances of lighthouses, the words and
pictures are a celebration of all lighthouses past and present.
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West Coast Lighthouses |
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East Coast Lighthouses |
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My Favorites |
