For many years, lighthouses have been the guiding light to navigate ships to and guide them safety.
What is a lighthouse?
A lighthouse is a large structure similar to a tower, that stands tall along coastlines, rocky shores and hazardous harbors. At the top of the structure is a large light. Read about the history of the lighthouse, facts, terms and other historic lighthouse information below:
- Lighthouse Glossary of Terms
- Lighthouse History
- Lighthouse Digest Magazine: Lighthouse Facts
- History of the Administration of the Lighthouses in America
- What is a Lighthouse? (pdf)
- Lighthouse Facts
- A Brief History of Lighthouses
- Beacons of Hope: The History of a Lighthouse
- Lighthouses: FAQ
- Lighthouse facts for kids
- Lighthouses
- Safe at Sea: The History of Lighthouses
- A History of Lighthouses
- How Lighthouses Changed American History
- The History of a Lighthouse
- Lighthouse Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Lighthouse? (for kids)
The Structure and Design of a Lighthouse
Not all lighthouses look alike or are designed the same way! You can read more about lighthouse designs and structures here:
- Types of Lighthouses
- Different Types of Lighthouses
- The Structure of Lighthouses
- The Canadian Lighthouse: Lighthouse Structure
- The Structure
- Lighthouse Design
- History of the Lighthouse Service and Lghthouse Construction Types (pdf)
- Lighthouses: Then and Now
- Anatomy of a Lighthouse
- Lighthouse Glossary: Types of Ligthhouses
- Lighthouse Architecture
- STRUCTURAL ASPECTS OF LIGHTHOUSE DESIGN
What is the purpose of a lighthouse?
The two main purposes of lighthouses are to serve as navigational aids for sailors and ships and to warn sea travelers of dangerous areas.
What is the oldest lighthouse?
The oldest lighthouse can be traced all the way back to c.280 – 247 BCE in Alexandria, Egypt.
Oldest Lighthouses of the World
Here are some of the other oldest and monumental lighthouses of the world:
- The Oldest Lighthouses in the United States
- Tower of Hercules
- Tower of Hercules, Spain (This is the oldest lighthouse that is still standing!)
- Tower of Hercules in La Coruña
- Boston Harbor Lighthouse (This is the first lighthouse in America!)
- 8 Oldest Lighthouse in the World
- Eddystone Lighthouse
- The Trinity House’s Eddystone Lighthouse
- Cordouan Lighthouse
- France’s Cordouan lighthouse
- Kõpu Lighthouse
- Hook Lighthouse and Heritage Center
- Hook Lighthouse
- Lanterna – The Lighthouse of Genoa
- The Lighthouses of Genoa
- Important Dates in the US Light History
Do you know how a lighthouse works?
In the early days of lighthouses, wood burning fires, candles, coal, oil and lanterns were used to produce the light. In more modern times, Fresnel lenses that reflected light were used. Eventually electric light sources began more accessible and more frequently used in lighthouses. Find out more detailed information on how lighthouses work below:
- How is the light of a lighthouse magnified?
- Lighthouse Lamps Through Time by Thomas Tag
- Understanding how Lighthouse Lenses Work
- Lighthouse Technology
- Getting 18th Century “Lit”: Argand Lamps
- Fresnel Lenses
- How Does It Work? Lighthouses
- Fresnel Lens History & Facts
- HENRY WINSTANLEY and Lighthouse Building
- Undestanding Lighthouse Technology
- How do Fresnel Lenses work?
- Remarkable Lens in America’s Oldest Lighthouse Station
- Gustaf Dalén and Lighthouse Technology
Other Lighthouse Friends and Informational Websites:
- The United States Lighthouse Society
- History of the USLHS
- Lighthouse Map
- A Listing of Historically Famous Lighthouses (pdf)
- Lighthouse Vocabulary (pdf)
- Lighthouse Evolution and Typology
- A Teacher’s Resource Guide for Educating Kids About Lighthouses (pdf)
- National Lighthouse Museum
- Historic Lighthouse Preservation Handbook
- How to make your own lighthouse
- Lighthouse Preservation Society
- American Lighthouse Foundation
- Lighthouse Digest Magazine
- Maine Lighthouse Museum
- Ligthouse FAQ
- Digital Archives: US Lighthouse Society
- Learn about Lighthouses
- The Lighthouse Hunters
- Lighthouse Directories and Listings
- Lighthouse and Ships History
- Library of Congress: Lighthouse Photos
- Historic Lighthouses and Light Stations
- NATIONAL MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY
- Global Maritime History
- ARLHS World List of Lights
