Cape Decision Light facts for kids
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 Cape Decision Light
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Southwestern extremity of Kuiu Island, Alaska |
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| Coordinates | 56°00′05″N 134°08′09″W / 56.001463°N 134.135822°W |
| Year first lit | 1932 |
| Automated | 1974 |
| Foundation | Rock |
| Construction | Concrete |
| Tower shape | square tower on building |
| Height | 75 feet (23 m) |
| Original lens | Third order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | Solar powered aero beacon |
| Range | 18 nautical miles (33 km; 21 mi) |
| Characteristic | flashing White 5s, Obscured from 134° to 245°. Emergency light (Fl W 5s) of reduced intensity if main light is extinguished. |
| Admiralty number | G6286 |
| ARLHS number | ALK-001 |
| USCG number | 6-1020 |
Cape Decision is a historic lighthouse located on Kuiu Island in Southeast Alaska. It stands tall next to Sumner Strait, helping ships navigate safely through the waters. Lighthouses like this are super important because they guide sailors and prevent accidents, especially in bad weather or at night.
Contents
History of Cape Decision Light
Early Attempts to Light the Waters
Before the big lighthouse was built, people tried to light up these tricky waters. The very first attempt was a small acetylene lantern. This lantern was placed on the Spanish Islands, which are close to the southern tip of Kuiu Island. However, this simple lantern didn't work very well to guide ships.
Building the Lighthouse: A Big Project
Because the lantern wasn't enough, the government decided a proper lighthouse was needed. In 1929, money was set aside to build a strong lighthouse. Construction started in September of that year. Building a lighthouse in Alaska was a huge challenge! Bad weather and not enough money caused delays.
The lighthouse finally became active in March 1932. The total cost to build it was more than $150,000, which was a lot of money back then!
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the Cape Decision Lighthouse has seen many changes. In 1974, the lighthouse became "automated." This means it no longer needed people living there all the time to operate it. Machines took over the job of keeping the light shining.
In 1989, a fire caused damage to several parts of the station. This included the tram (a small railway), the dock, the boathouse, and the helipad.
The original light, called a "third order Fresnel lens," was very special. It was replaced in 1996 with a newer, solar-powered light. This new light uses energy from the sun! The old Fresnel lens is now on display at the Clausen Museum in Petersburg, a nearby community.
A Historic Landmark
The Cape Decision Lighthouse is not just a working light; it's also a piece of history. In 2005, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site that should be protected.
Today, the lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation. It continues to guide ships through the Alaskan waters. The Cape Decision Lighthouse Society, a private group, now owns and takes care of this important landmark. You can learn more about them at capedecisionlight.org.
