Cape Norman facts for kids
| Year first constructed | 1871 (first) |
|---|---|
| Year first lit | 1964 (current) |
| Foundation | concrete base |
| Construction | concrete tower |
| Tower shape | octagonal tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, red lantern |
| Original lens | 3rd order fresnel lens |
| CHS number | CCG 223 |
Cape Norman is a rocky point of land found at the very northern tip of Newfoundland, a large island in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This area is mostly made of limestone rock.
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About Cape Norman
Cape Norman is a "headland," which means it's a high piece of land that sticks out into the sea. It's known for its rugged beauty and its important location for ships.
The Name's History
Cape Norman first appeared on French maps a long time ago. In 1713, it was called Cape Dordois. Later, in 1744, its name changed to Cape Normand. Over time, the name became more English, and that's how we got "Cape Norman."
Cape Norman Lighthouse
A lighthouse is a tall tower with a bright light at the top. It helps guide ships safely, especially at night or in bad weather.
The Canadian government built the first lighthouse at Cape Norman. It was made of wood and had six sides. Construction happened in 1870 and 1871. The light was turned on for the very first time on October 1, 1871.
Fog Alarm Added
Lighthouses also often have fog alarms. These are loud sounds that warn ships when it's foggy and they can't see the light. In 1890, a special steam-powered fog alarm was added to the Cape Norman lightstation. This happened after a ship called the SS Montreal crashed near Belle Isle the summer before. The fog alarm was very important for safety.
Lighthouse Keepers
A lightkeeper is a person who lives at a lighthouse and makes sure the light and fog alarm are working. John Campbell was hired as the lightkeeper and fog alarm engineer in July 1890. He took over from the previous lightkeeper, Henry Locke.
The Campbell family has been involved with the Cape Norman Lighthouse ever since John Campbell started. Today, Warren Campbell is the lightkeeper, continuing his family's long history of keeping the lights on at Cape Norman.
