Cape San Juan Light facts for kids
| Location | Fajardo, Puerto Rico |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 18°22′52.″N 65°37′5.7″W / 18.38111°N 65.618250°W |
| Year first lit | 1882 |
| Automated | 1975 |
| Foundation | stone base |
| Construction | stone |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower with black band at the base, black lantern |
| Height | 45 feet (14 m) |
| Original lens | Third order Fresnel |
The Cape San Juan Light (also known as Faro de Las Cabezas de San Juan) is a very old and important lighthouse. You can find it on the highest point of Cape San Juan in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.
This lighthouse was built in 1880. Its light first shone on May 2, 1882. The original light could be seen from about 18 miles away. It showed a steady white light that would flash red every three minutes.
Contents
A Special Nature Reserve
The Cape San Juan Light is now owned by the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust. It is part of the amazing Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. This reserve covers about 316 acres.
What You Can Find There
The reserve is home to many cool things. It has a special bioluminescence bay, where the water glows at night! You can also find rare plants and animals there. There are trails and boardwalks for exploring. Plus, there is a science research center.
Even though it's not huge, the reserve protects seven different types of natural areas. These include beautiful beaches, calm lagoons, dry forests, colorful coral reefs, and mangrove swamps.
Lighthouse History and Importance
The Cape San Juan Light has a rich history. It played a big part in a battle long ago.
Role in the Spanish–American War
In 1898, the lighthouse was important during the Battle of Fajardo. This battle happened during the Puerto Rican Campaign of the Spanish–American War.
National Recognition
The United States government recognized the lighthouse's importance. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 22, 1981. This list helps protect historic places.
First of Its Kind
In 2001, something special happened. The Cape San Juan Light was the first lighthouse in Puerto Rico to be given to a non-government group. This happened under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.
Images for kids
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Laguna Grande, a bioluminescent bay in the reserve
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The lighthouse tower
See also
In Spanish: Faro de Las Cabezas de San Juan para niños
