Browns Point Light facts for kids
| Location | Browns Point, Washington |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 47°18′21.3″N 122°26′39.4″W / 47.305917°N 122.444278°W |
| Year first constructed | 1887 |
| Year first lit | 1933 (current tower); 1903 (previous tower); 1887 (first structure) |
| Automated | 1963 |
| Foundation | Concrete |
| Construction | Concrete |
| Tower shape | Square without lantern |
| Height | 34 feet (10 m) (38 feet (12 m) above sea level) |
| Original lens | VRB-25 |
| Range | 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) |
| Characteristic | Flashing white light every 5s, Light obscured from 217° to 002°. HORN: 2 blasts ev 30s (2s bl-2s si-2s bl-24s si). |
The Browns Point Lighthouse is a cool building near Tacoma, Washington. It stands on Browns Point, right at the entrance to Commencement Bay in Puget Sound. Lighthouses like this one help ships find their way safely.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
The very first light station at Browns Point was set up in 1887. It was a simple white light on a post, about 12 feet above the water. This light helped guide boats and ships in the area.
Building the Lighthouse
In 1901, a wooden lighthouse and a separate house for the lighthouse keeper were built. These buildings made the station more permanent. The lighthouse keeper was the person who lived there and made sure the light was always working.
The Modern Lighthouse
The lighthouse you see today was built in 1933. It's made of strong concrete. In 1963, the lighthouse became "automated." This means machines took over the job of the lighthouse keeper, so no one had to live there anymore to operate the light.
A Historic Place
The Browns Point Lighthouse, along with the original keeper's cottage, an oil house, and a boathouse, are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites that are protected.
Visiting Browns Point Lighthouse
Today, the Browns Point Lighthouse is a fun place to visit! It's located in the Browns Point Lighthouse Park.
Lighthouse Tours and Museums
The Points Northeast Historical Society helps take care of the lighthouse. You can even rent the keeper's cottage and pretend to be an honorary lightkeeper! If you do, you get to help give tours of the lighthouse on Saturday afternoons.
The Society also runs two museums nearby. The History Center has different exhibits about the area's past. The Boat House Museum shows off a replica surfboat and other cool items from the sea.
Park Activities
Browns Point Lighthouse Park is a great spot for a picnic. You can also enjoy amazing views of the boats passing by and the beautiful mountains in the distance. It's a perfect place to learn about history and enjoy nature.
