Point Robinson Light facts for kids
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 Point Robinson Lighthouse
Location in Washington (state)
Point Robinson Lighthouse
Location in the United States
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| Location | NE end of Point Robinson, Vashon, Washington, USA |
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| Coordinates | 47°23′17″N 122°22′30″W / 47.3881°N 122.3750°W |
| Year first lit | 1915 (current tower) |
| Automated | 1978 |
| Foundation | Surface |
| Construction | Masonry and concrete |
| Tower shape | Octagonal with attached dwelling |
| Height | 38 feet (12 m) |
| Original lens | Fifth order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 10 nautical miles; 19 kilometres (12 mi) |
| Characteristic | _W_12s.gif){kind=small} FI(2) W 12s (White light, 3 s on, 1 s off, 3 s on, 5 s off) |
The Point Robinson Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that helps ships find their way on Puget Sound. It's located at Point Robinson, which is the easternmost tip of Maury Island in King County, Washington, USA. This important place was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 because of its history.
Contents
History of Point Robinson Lighthouse
Early Days and Fog Signals
Work to build a navigation aid at Point Robinson started in 1884. The United States Lighthouse Service bought 24 acres of land there. Construction of a fog signal station began that same year. It was officially opened on July 1, 1885.
The first fog signal used a boiler and a large 12-inch steam whistle. These parts came from the Point Adams Light in Oregon. A house for the lighthouse keeper was also built nearby. Later, in 1907, a second house for another keeper was added.
The Lighthouse Tower
The first light at Point Robinson was set up in 1887. It was a red lantern placed on a 25-foot tall post. In 1894, a wooden tower replaced the post. This new tower held the light 31 feet high.
The lighthouse tower you see today was built in 1915. It looks very similar to the Alki Point Lighthouse. This new tower is 38 feet tall. It uses a special lens called a fifth-order Fresnel lens. This powerful light could be seen up to 12 miles away.
How the Light Works
The light at Point Robinson has a special pattern. It flashes on for three seconds, then off for one second. Then it flashes on again for three seconds, and stays off for five seconds. This pattern helps sailors know it's the Point Robinson Light.
The light was made automatic in 1978. This meant a keeper no longer had to operate it by hand. It still used the original Fresnel lens. However, in 2008, the United States Coast Guard replaced the old lens. They put in a new plastic light that is easier to change. The original Fresnel lens is still inside the lantern room for visitors to see.
Modern Technology at the Point
In 1989, a 100-foot tall radar tower was built at Point Robinson. This tower helps control ship traffic in Puget Sound. In the 1990s, GPS equipment was also added. This helps ships use satellite signals for navigation.
The Last Lighthouse Keeper
The last Coast Guard member to live and work at Point Robinson Light Station was Jerry Bolstad. He and his family lived in one of the keeper's houses in 1989. Besides keeping the station running, Mr. Bolstad also fixed up the old fog signal. He restored the air compressor and diesel engines. He even gave tours and let visitors hear the powerful sound of the old foghorn.
Point Robinson Park
In the early 1990s, people living nearby heard about plans to use the land at Point Robinson for businesses. To protect the area, a group called "Keepers of Point Robinson" was formed. They worked with the Vashon-Maury Island Park and Recreation District. Together, they made a deal with the United States Coast Guard to lease the property for 15 years.
Today, Point Robinson is a 10-acre park along the shoreline. It is a historical and marine preserve. The Vashon Park District manages the park. They own part of the land and lease the rest from the Coast Guard. The Keepers of Point Robinson group helps maintain the site. They also offer the two old keeper's houses as places where people can stay for weekly rentals.
