Cape Arago Light
Encyclopedia
The Cape Arago Light is a lighthouse
located in Charleston
, Oregon
. It is located 2.6 miles (4.2 km) north of Cape Arago
.
had become an important shipping point on the west coast of the United States
. The amount of shipping at the time warranted the building of a light at the location, and in 1864, funds were given to build the harbor's light. In 1866, the first light was illuminated. This first tower, which housed a fourth order Fresnel lens, was nothing more than a 25 feet (7.6 m) octagonal tower with a skeleton base. This tower, located on the west end of an island, was connected to the keeper's residence via a 1300 feet (396.2 m) wooden walkway. However, because of its location on the island, the light was greatly exposed to the elements along the Pacific and soon was in need of repairs. Over the next 35 years, much of the station's infrastructure had to be repaired or replaced. Several improvements were also made during this time, including the installation of a fog signal
and a new boathouse.
However, sailor's demands for a better light and the threat of erosion
meant the end of the first tower, and in 1909, the second tower was lit. Located higher on the island, the new wooden tower stood 100 feet (30.5 m) all and provided better illumination. Designed by Carl Leick, the new light was similar in design to Mukilteo Light in the state of Washington. Erosion eventually threatened this light as well, and in 1934, the third light was illuminated.
Containing the second light's fourth order lens, the third tower was made from concrete to better withstand the inclement weather of the area. This light shared a basic design with Point Robinson Light in Washington. It was also at this time that the first tower, which still stood, was finally destroyed. The second light fared better. The tower was soon removed and the building was converted into an office.
In 1966, the light was automated. Eventually, in 1993, the Fresnel lens was replaced with a modern lens. The light remained a beacon into Coos Bay for the next 12 years, until its decommissioning on January 1, 2006. Today, only the third light remains standing, all other buildings having since been demolished. The site is not open to the public, and the entire area is fenced off. It is visible from the Oregon Coast Trail
between Sunset Bay State Park
and Shore Acres State Park
, and from Bastendorff Beach County Park.
In 1993, the light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
.
Lighthouse
A lighthouse is a tower, building, or other type of structure designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses or, in older times, from a fire, and used as an aid to navigation for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways....
located in Charleston
Charleston, Oregon
Charleston is an unincorporated community in Coos County, Oregon, United States. It is located at the ocean entrance to Coos Bay. According to the local chamber of commerce, it is the area's "commercial and sport fishing center", and the community also provides services for the seafood processing...
, Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
. It is located 2.6 miles (4.2 km) north of Cape Arago
Cape Arago State Park
Cape Arago State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of Oregon, administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department....
.
History
Starting in the mid-19th century, Coos BayCoos Bay
Coos Bay is an S-shaped inlet where the Coos River enters the Pacific Ocean, approximately 10 miles long and two miles wide, on the Pacific Ocean coast of southwestern Oregon in the United States. The estuary is situated south of the Salmon River. The city of Coos Bay, once named Marshfield, was...
had become an important shipping point on the west coast of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The amount of shipping at the time warranted the building of a light at the location, and in 1864, funds were given to build the harbor's light. In 1866, the first light was illuminated. This first tower, which housed a fourth order Fresnel lens, was nothing more than a 25 feet (7.6 m) octagonal tower with a skeleton base. This tower, located on the west end of an island, was connected to the keeper's residence via a 1300 feet (396.2 m) wooden walkway. However, because of its location on the island, the light was greatly exposed to the elements along the Pacific and soon was in need of repairs. Over the next 35 years, much of the station's infrastructure had to be repaired or replaced. Several improvements were also made during this time, including the installation of a fog signal
Foghorn
A foghorn or fog signal or fog bell is a device that uses sound to warn vehicles of hazards or boats of the presence of other vehicles in foggy conditions. The term is most often used in relation to marine transport...
and a new boathouse.
However, sailor's demands for a better light and the threat of erosion
Erosion
Erosion is when materials are removed from the surface and changed into something else. It only works by hydraulic actions and transport of solids in the natural environment, and leads to the deposition of these materials elsewhere...
meant the end of the first tower, and in 1909, the second tower was lit. Located higher on the island, the new wooden tower stood 100 feet (30.5 m) all and provided better illumination. Designed by Carl Leick, the new light was similar in design to Mukilteo Light in the state of Washington. Erosion eventually threatened this light as well, and in 1934, the third light was illuminated.
Containing the second light's fourth order lens, the third tower was made from concrete to better withstand the inclement weather of the area. This light shared a basic design with Point Robinson Light in Washington. It was also at this time that the first tower, which still stood, was finally destroyed. The second light fared better. The tower was soon removed and the building was converted into an office.
In 1966, the light was automated. Eventually, in 1993, the Fresnel lens was replaced with a modern lens. The light remained a beacon into Coos Bay for the next 12 years, until its decommissioning on January 1, 2006. Today, only the third light remains standing, all other buildings having since been demolished. The site is not open to the public, and the entire area is fenced off. It is visible from the Oregon Coast Trail
Oregon Coast Trail
The Oregon Coast Trail is a long-distance hiking route along the Pacific coast of Oregon in the United States. It follows the coast of Oregon from the mouth of the Columbia River to the California border south of Brookings....
between Sunset Bay State Park
Sunset Bay State Park
Sunset Bay State Park is a state park in the U.S. state of Oregon, administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. It is located about south of Cape Arago Lighthouse, and outside the town of Charleston on Coos Bay....
and Shore Acres State Park
Shore Acres State Park
Shore Acres State Park is an Oregon State Park located on the Cape Arago Highway south of Coos Bay, Oregon, United States. The park features of formal gardens including a rose-testing plot and Japanese lily pond. During autumn, winter and spring, visitors gather on the tall sandstone cliffs...
, and from Bastendorff Beach County Park.
In 1993, the light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
.