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Alaska’s Oldest Lighthouse: Eldred Rock
Nestled in the rugged waters of Alaska, the state’s oldest lighthouse bravely stands on its own, protecting mariners in the Lynn Canal. Eldred Rock Lighthouse was first lit in 1906; today we’ll take a little step back into the history of this brave little tower. Architecture and Historical Significance The Eldred Rock Lighthouse has a…
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The Dangers of Lighthouse Keeping
Lighthouses have played a critical role in maritime navigation for centuries. The way they function has changed a great deal over the years, moving from lighthouse keepers and manual work to automated lights. Lighthouse keepers, also known as “wickies,” have historically endured extreme and often life-threatening conditions before the days of automation. The Smalls Lighthouse…
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Another of the Stevenson’s Scottish Masterpieces: Cape Wrath Lighthouse
Introduction to Cape Wrath Lighthouse The Cape Wrath Lighthouse is perched on Scotland’s most northwesterly extremity, amidst the wild Scottish Highlands. Its isolated situation makes it quite the adventure to get there, and it has a history intertwined with the legacy of the famed Stevenson family, eminent in lighthouse construction in Scotland. History of Cape…
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Kidnappings & epic fires… the history of the Eddystone Lighthouses
This week’s lighthouse video is about Eddystone lighthouses and their tumultuous history! There have been four towers around the Eddystone rocks, each an absolute beauty. Enjoy, Lighthouse Explorer!
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An introduction to Canadian lighthouses
Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world, and more lakes than all of them combined! Therefore, it makes sense as to why there are over 750 lighthouses scattered all over the country. Here’s the podcast episode, in case you prefer listening to reading: Surplus Lighthouses In Canada, they are often transferred…
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Grace Darling & Longstone Lighthouse
History of the Lighthouse This gorgeous lighthouse was first lit on the 15th of February 1826. It was designed by Joseph Nelson, who then went on to oversee the build. It was originally named ‘Outer Farne’ lighthouse, and it’s best known for the daring rescue of nine shipwrecked sailors by Grace and William Darling. Grace…
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The Great Scottish Lighthouse Tour of September 2023!
Last week, I was on an epic tour of ten lighthouses up in Scotland. This is only approximately one twentieth of Scottish lighthouses but alas, I will just have to go back at another point in time. This roadtrip began at St Abb’s Head on the Scottish border, and concluded at Turnberry Lighthouse. Sit back,…
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The Ongoing Scottish Lighthouse Tour
Hello Lighthouse Explorer! I’m currently writing this from within one of the lighthouse keeper cottages at Strathy Point Lighthouse. It is phenomenally beautiful, and would take the breath of even the most jaded lighthouse sceptic. This visit is part of my great tour of Scottish lighthouses this week! I won’t be able to visit every…
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Captain Walter S. Ames, a HERO: Whaleback Light, Portsmouth Harbor, USA
History The original Whaleback Light was built on a brand-new constructed pier in 1829 for a combined cost of $19,960. It had issues with its structural integrity from the outset. The first problem came with leaks developing, after a few high seas went over the TOP of the lighthouse! The keeper at the time struggled…
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Most northerly lighthouse in Britain – Muckle Flugga, Scotland
Situated on the northern point of the isle of Unst in the Shetlands, Muckle Flugga Lighthouse is the most northerly lighthouse in Britain. Nearer to Bergen in Norway than to Aberdeen, Muckle Flugga was established in 1854. A bit of history It was designed and built by Thomas and David Stevenson, the father and uncle…