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Lighthouses of the world

There are over 20,000 functioning ligIhthouses around the world. I have seen about 75 of them  over the years. 

Many of them on the Pacific coast and the Great Lakes 

Sorry it took so long to set up this next topic!

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Split Rock Lighthouse

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Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

 

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Loved visiting this one in early summer.  

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Heceta Head Lighthouse | Oregon Coast’s Crown Jewel.
Built in 1894 atop a 205-foot headland, Heceta Head Lighthouse is the most powerful light on the Oregon Coast—visible for 21 nautical miles. Named after Spanish explorer Bruno de Heceta, who charted this rugged stretch in 1775, the lighthouse stands between Florence and Yachats, surrounded by misty cliffs and sea lion calls. The light keeper’s residence at Heceta Head is now a beautifully restored bed-and-breakfast and interpretive center, offering overnight stays and tours that bring the lighthouse’s history to life.

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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Lighthouse term.
Pharology is the specialized study and documentation of lighthouses, including their architecture, engineering, history, and signal light technology, named after the ancient Pharos of Alexandria, serving as navigational aids to warn ships of hazards and guide them to safety. It covers the structures themselves, the evolution of their illumination (from oil lamps to modern LEDs), and their cultural significance, making it a niche but rich field for enthusiasts and historians. 
Key Aspects of Pharology
  • Structures: Analyzing the design, construction, and placement of lighthouses.
  • Signaling: Studying the mechanics and patterns of their lights (flash sequences, colors) and associated radio signals.
  • History: Documenting the development of lighthouses from ancient times to the present.
  • Engineering: Exploring the technical innovations that made lighthouses functional and efficient.
  • Nomenclature: Defining related terms, distinguishing lighthouses from other light structures. 
Etymology
The term comes from the Greek Pharos, the name of the famous ancient lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 
Who are Pharologists?
People interested in pharology are often called pharologists or lighthouse enthusiasts, who study these iconic structures for their historical, architectural, and navigational importance. 
Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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Very interesting to learn, thank you!

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Castle Hill Lighthouse, USA

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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North Head Lighthouse near Ilwaco, Washington, was built from 1897 to 1898 and first lit in 1898 to guide ships approaching the Columbia River from the north, and it is now part of Cape Disappointment State Park. The original Head Keeper’s Residence and Assistant Keepers’ Duplex still stand and are now offered as vacation rentals by Washington State Parks.

 

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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@DaveMcK  Reminds me of a chess piece!

 

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The Tibbetts Point Lighthouse is located in Cape Vincent (town), New York. The land upon which the lighthouse stands is a part of a 600 acre grant of land to Captain John Tibbetts of Troy, New York. The lighthouse is a circular tower that stands above the water.

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Longstone Lighthouse in England despite being on the Lighthouses of America FB page.

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Point Betsie Lighthouse. Frankfort, Michigan, Lake Michigan.

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Snowy scene at Michigan's iconic Round Island Light in the Straits of Mackinac on Lake Huron - Photo courtesy of the Harbour View Inn

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Split Po

int Lighthouse, Victoria, Australia

 

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The Cape Sorell Lighthouse in Tasmania, Australia.

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How many lighthouses are there in America?

The United States has approximately 1,000 lighthouses, including light towers, range lights, and pier head lights. Michigan proudly holds the record for the most lighthouses, boasting over 150 past and present lights. Some notable lighthouses include ¹:
- Tallest Lighthouses:
- Cape Hatteras Light, North Carolina: 210 feet (64 meters) tall
- Ponce de Leon Light, Florida: 175 feet (53 meters) tall
- Point Pinos Light and Point Arena Light, California: 115 feet (35 meters) tall
- Oldest Lighthouses:
- Boston Light, Massachusetts: built in 1783
- Sandy Hook Light, New Jersey: built in 1764
- Notable Lighthouse States:
- Michigan: Over 120 listed lighthouses
- Maine: Home to the tallest New England lighthouse, Boon Island Light, at 133 feet (41 meters)
- California: Features historic lights like Point Pinos Light (1855) and Point Arena Light (1895)

These numbers may vary as new lighthouses are discovered, and some may be decommissioned or destroyed over time.

Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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Peggy's Point Lighthouse, also known as the Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, in Nova Scotia, Canada.

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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The lighthouse pictured is the South Mole Lighthouse, located at the entrance to Fremantle Harbour in Western Australia.
Overview
Location: It sits on the South Mole peninsula in Fremantle, near Perth, Western Australia.
Construction: The lighthouse is a 15-meter tall structure made of prefabricated cast iron sections, built by Chance Brothers in the United Kingdom and assembled on-site in 1903.
Color and Function: The tower was originally painted French grey but was repainted green sometime after World War II. The green color and light signal are used to guide incoming boats on their starboard side when entering the harbor channel.
Accessibility: The lighthouse area is a popular spot for walking, fishing, and watching sunsets and ships, and is accessible to the public, although visitors cannot go inside the tower itself.

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse in Cape ElizabethMaine. The light station sits on a headland at the entrance of the primary shipping channel into Portland Harbor, which is within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine. Completed in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. The light station is automated, and the tower, beacon, and foghorn are maintained by the United States Coast Guard, while the former lighthouse keeper's house is a maritime museum within Fort Williams Park.

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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I’ve been to this one and it was gorgeous!

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Why are lighthouses still active?

Lighthouses remain active for several reasons ¹:
- Navigational Aid: They serve as beacons for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways, marking dangerous coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs, rocks, and safe entries to harbors.
- Advancements in Technology: While electronic navigational systems have become more prevalent, lighthouses continue to be useful due to advancements in lighting technology, such as energy-efficient LED lights that can be powered by solar panels.
- Unique Identification: Each lighthouse has a distinct light characteristic, such as flashing patterns or colors, which helps mariners identify specific locations.
- Supplementing Electronic Navigation: Lighthouses can provide a visual aid when electronic systems fail or are not available, ensuring safe navigation.
- Historical and Tourist Significance: Many lighthouses are preserved and maintained as historical landmarks and tourist attractions.

In the case of the lighthouse in the post, without knowing the specific location, it's hard to say why it's still active. However, given its depiction as a functioning lighthouse with a lit beacon, it's likely serving one of the purposes mentioned above.

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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Interesting.  Thanks for that

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Marblehead, OH - Enjoying the balmy 19-degree temps at Marblehead Lighthouse, Christmas morning In any season and any weather, this is hands-down one of the most beautiful locations in that state.

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Makapu'u Point Lighthouse! Waimanalo, Hawaii!

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Saint Mathieu

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The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. It is located at the northern end of the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area in the Highlands. Amazingly well-preserved, this unique octagonal tower dates back to the 18th century and has been in service since 1764. Except for being darkened during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I and II, the beacon has been operating ever since. Today the National Park Service preserves the tower and the U.S. Coast Guard maintains the light. The National Park Service offers tours of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse on a seasonal basis. Visitors must be accompanied by a park ranger to climb the 95 stairs and 9 rung ladder to the top of the lighthouse. To join a tour, visitors must be at least 48" tall and sign up in person at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center on the day of the tour. The National Park Service encourages visitors to call the Sandy Hook Visitor Center directly to learn about tour times and seasonal closures. The lighthouse is on the grounds of Fort Hancock and is just one of the unbeatable tourist attractions at Sandy Hook. The peninsula also boasts a spectacular holly forest, excellent surf fishing, hiking, beaches, trails, salt marshes, more than 300 species of birds and other historical sites.

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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miss seeing Hacita Head lighthouse. just north of florence oregon miss hearing the fog horn lived a few miles from there moved to be close to grandkids.

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Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper
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I remember this most beautiful lighthouse! And the scenic 101 drive. Thanks for a great memory!

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