Cape North Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°24′07.6″N 75°37′25.8″W / 45.402111°N 75.623833°W |
| Year first constructed | 1856 |
| Construction | cast iron plates |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | red and white checkerboard tower, red lantern |
| Height | 29 metres (95 ft) |
| Original lens | Fresnel lens |
The Cape North Lighthouse is a famous old lighthouse. It has a cool red and white checkerboard pattern. This lighthouse stood near Cape North, Nova Scotia, from 1908 to 1980. Before that, it was first built in Cape Race, Newfoundland. Today, you can find this amazing tower far from the ocean. It is at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
Building the Tower
This lighthouse is 29 meters (about 95 feet) tall. It was first put up in 1856 at Cape Race, Newfoundland. The British Government's Trinity House built it. Trinity House was in charge of lighthouses in British waters. The lighthouse is made from 32 strong cast-iron plates. These plates are joined together with bolts. This special design made it cheaper to build. It also made it easier to build lighthouses in faraway places. Local workers, even without special skills, could help put it together.
Moving to Cape North
Later, a bigger lighthouse was needed at Cape Race. So, the old tower was taken apart. It was then moved by ship to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. There, it was put back together at Cape North. It also got a new Fresnel lens. This special lens was made by Chance Brothers in England. The lens used to float in a pool of mercury. A clockwork machine would turn it. Later, it was changed to run on electricity. The lighthouse has a red checkerboard pattern. This pattern helped sailors see it in thick fog. It also stood out against the snowy landscape.
The Lighthouse in Ottawa
Moving to the Museum
In 1980, the Cape North Lighthouse was going to be replaced. Newer technology was available for lighthouses. The Canadian Coast Guard gave the lighthouse to the Canada Science and Technology Museum. The lighthouse was moved from Cape North, Nova Scotia, to Ottawa, Ontario. It was set up at the museum's Technology Park in 1980 and 1981. Even though it was made in parts, moving the lighthouse was a huge job. Since then, this lighthouse has become a well-known symbol. It represents Canada's history with the sea. The museum offers tours of the lighthouse in the summer.
A Small Shake-Up
On July 3, 2010, there was an earthquake. This caused a small spill of mercury inside the lighthouse. Because of this, the lighthouse had to close for a short time. Cleaning up the spill cost a lot of money. But the lighthouse was cleaned safely. It has been open to visitors again for many years now.
