Île-Verte Lighthouse facts for kids
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| Île-Verte Lighthouse | |
 Île-Verte Lighthouse
Phare de l'Île-Verte Location in Quebec
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| Location | Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs Quebec Canada |
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| Coordinates | 48°03′04″N 69°25′27″W / 48.05111°N 69.42417°W |
| Year first constructed | 1809 |
| Construction | stone tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, red lantern and trim |
| Height | 17 metres (56 ft) |
| Focal height | |
| Range | 19 nautical miles (35 km; 22 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 5s. |
| Admiralty number | H2146 |
| NGA number | 6724 |
| ARLHS number | CAN-244 |
| Canada number | 1761 |
The Île-Verte Lighthouse is a famous lighthouse located on Île Verte. This island is part of Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs in Quebec, Canada. It was finished in 1809, making it the oldest lighthouse on the Saint Lawrence River. It is also the third oldest lighthouse in all of Canada. The lighthouse tower stands about 17 metres (56 ft) tall.
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History of the Lighthouse
This important lighthouse was built between 1806 and 1809. It was put in place by an organization called Trinity House in Quebec City. Its main job was to help ships navigate and keep an eye on the lower part of the Saint Lawrence River.
The Île-Verte Lighthouse was one of the very first lighthouses ever built in Canada. It was also the first one built right on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. Its construction showed how much trade and shipping were growing in the early 1800s. It was a big step in making Canadian waterways safer for everyone.
Who Were the Lighthouse Keepers?
A lighthouse keeper is a person who lives at a lighthouse and makes sure the light is always working. They also help with other tasks to keep ships safe. Here are some of the people who looked after the Île-Verte Lighthouse:
- Charles Hembleton (1809-1827)
- Robert Noel Lindsay (1827-1867)
- Gilbert Lindsay (1867-1888)
- Irenee Lindsay (1888-1927)
- Joseph-Alfred Lindsay (1927-1964)
- Armand Lafrance (1964-1972)
The last lighthouse keeper left the Île-Verte Lighthouse in 1972. After that, the lighthouse was automated, meaning it could run on its own without someone living there all the time.
Why This Lighthouse is Special
The Île-Verte Lighthouse was like a blueprint for other lighthouses built along the St. Lawrence River. Its design, with its stone walls, round shape, and simple style, was very successful. The fact that the building has lasted so long and is still used today shows how well it was designed and built. It proves that the materials and construction were of high quality.
A Historic Landmark
The Île-Verte Lighthouse fits perfectly with the rugged look of the coast where it stands. It's a very important landmark in the area. Today, it's a popular place for tourists to visit and a source of pride for the local community.
Because of its history, its unique architecture, and its special place in the environment, the Île-Verte Lighthouse was named a historic monument in 1974. It is now part of the National Historic Sites of Canada.
