Arecibo Light facts for kids
| Location | Arecibo Puerto Rico |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 18°28′55.076″N 66°41′55.335″W / 18.48196556°N 66.69870417°W |
| Year first lit | 1898 |
| Automated | 1964 |
| Foundation | Stone base |
| Construction | Stone and Brick Tower |
| Tower shape | Hexagonal tower with balcony and lantern attached to the primary building. |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, black lantern |
| Height | 46 feet (14 m) |
| Focal height | 120 feet (37 m) |
| Original lens | Third order Fresnel lens (1898) |
| Range | 14 nautical miles (26 km; 16 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 5s. |
Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park (Spanish: Faro de Arecibo) is a historic lighthouse located in the city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. It is also known as Los Morrillos Lighthouse and is as a monument to Puerto Rico's complex history under Spanish colonial rule. Perched atop the Punta Morrillos headland since 1898, this iconic lighthouse was the last constructed under Spain's 300-year presence on the island. Despite the collapse of the Spanish Empire following the Spanish-American war that same year, the Arecibo Lighthouse endured.
The lighthouse was designed in the neoclassical architectural style popular during the 19th century, featuring a stately rectangular building with an attached hexagonal tower. The rectangular keeper's house measures 40 feet 4 inches (12.29 m) wide by 84 feet 2 inches (25.65 m) long. The hexagonal tower is topped by a dome made of bronze that encases the working lantern room.
The original lighting apparatus was a Fresnel lens of the third order, able to project a beam of light with a radius of 18 miles to warn approaching ships. In 1931, the lighthouse was modernized and converted to electric power. Today, the lantern houses a 190mm lens that emits a bright white flash repeating every five seconds.
After the light was automated in 1964, the unmanned structure fell victim to decay and vandalism without resident keepers. The original Fresnel lens was damaged in 1975 and completely destroyed in 1977.
After years of neglect, the Arecibo Lighthouse underwent a restoration in 2001 by a private company. It is now operated as the Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park, featuring interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore a replica Taíno Indian village, models of Columbus' legendary ships, slavery quarters, a pirate ship replica and cave, mini zoo, saltwater aquariums, playground, and water park. The lighthouse itself houses a museum with maritime artifacts, exhibits on the lighthouse's engineering and history, and the Spanish-American War.
Gallery
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View of Arecibo Light from Playa La Poza del Obispo
See also
In Spanish: Faro de Arecibo para niños
