Culebrita Lighthouse facts for kids
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| Photograph taken in 1978 | |
| Location | Culebrita, Culebra, Puerto Rico |
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| Coordinates | 18°18′49″N 65°13′39″W / 18.31361°N 65.22750°W |
| Year first lit | 1886 |
| Deactivated | 1975 |
| Construction | 1882 |
The Culebrita Lighthouse (called Faro Culebrita in Spanish) is a very old and important building in the Culebra islands. It is the only structure left from when the Spanish Crown ruled the area. Building started in 1882 and finished in 1886. Spain built it to help protect its claim over the main island of Culebra. This lighthouse was the most eastern light outside of mainland Puerto Rico. It helped ships find their way through the Virgin Passage and the Vieques Sound. It also connected with the Cape San Juan Light in the Puerto Rico Light System.
The lighthouse stands on Culebrita, a small island about a mile long and half a mile wide. Culebrita is located off Culebra, which is an island-municipality of Puerto Rico.
Why the Lighthouse Closed
The Culebrita Lighthouse was one of the oldest lighthouses still working in the Caribbean. It operated for many years until 1975. That year, the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard decided to close the facility. The United States Coast Guard later replaced the old lighthouse with a new light beacon. This new beacon uses solar power to work.
A Historic Building in Danger
The Culebrita Lighthouse was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on October 22, 1981. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. However, not much work has been done to keep the building in good shape.
Over the years, the lighthouse has faced many challenges. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo caused a lot of damage to the structure. Then, in 1995, the lighthouse tower was completely destroyed by Hurricane Marilyn.
Since 1994, a group called the Culebra Foundation has been trying to save the lighthouse. They have tried to get help from local and federal governments. Sadly, they have not had much success. Because of the damage and lack of repairs, the historic Culebrita Lighthouse is now in danger of collapsing.
Gallery
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The lighthouse in 1913
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Inside lighthouse
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North Anchorage View from Faro Tower
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Stairway inside, 2018
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Facade of El Faro Culebrita, 2014
See also
In Spanish: Faro Culebrita para niños
