Point Wilson Light facts for kids
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 Point Wilson Light
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Western entrance to Admiralty Inlet, Port Townsend, Washington |
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| Coordinates | 48°8′39″N 122°45′19″W / 48.14417°N 122.75528°W |
| Year first constructed | 1879 (first); 1914 (second) |
| Year first lit | 1879 (first); 1914 (second) |
| Automated | 1976 |
| Foundation | Concrete |
| Construction | Masonry/concrete |
| Tower shape | Octagonal on fog signal building |
| Markings / pattern | White with red roof |
| Height | 46 feet (14 m) |
| Focal height | 51 feet (16 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | Same |
| Characteristic | White light, occulting every 20 s for 5 s, with one red flash in the middle of the occultation |
| Admiralty number | G4784 |
| ARLHS number | USA 641 |
| USCG number | 16475 |
The Point Wilson Light is an important lighthouse located in Fort Worden State Park near Port Townsend, Washington. It helps ships find their way safely. This lighthouse stands at the entrance to Admiralty Inlet. This waterway connects the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. The Point Wilson Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This means it is a special historical site.
Contents
History of the Point Wilson Light
Building the First Lighthouse in 1879
The first lighthouse at Point Wilson was built in 1879. It was constructed by the United States Lighthouse Service. This lighthouse was meant to work with the Admiralty Head Light. That lighthouse was built earlier on the other side of Admiralty Inlet.
The first Point Wilson Light had a square wooden tower. This tower stuck out from the roof of the keeper's house. The house was a two-story building in the Cape Cod style. Inside the tower was a special light called a Fresnel lens. This lens helped make the light very bright and focused. The station also had a building for a fog signal. It used a steam-powered whistle to make loud sounds in foggy weather.
The New Lighthouse: Built to Last in 1914
In 1904, more land was added to the site. This was done to protect the lighthouse from the ocean. But over time, the waves and tides caused damage. So, a new lighthouse was planned.
The new lighthouse was finished in 1914. It was built using strong concrete. The tower is 46 feet (14 meters) tall and has eight sides. This design helps it stand strong against the wind. The new lighthouse received the same Fresnel lens from the first one. It still uses that lens today. At 51 feet (15.5 meters) above the water, it was the tallest light on Puget Sound. The tower of the old lighthouse was removed. The original building continued to be used as a home for the lighthouse keepers. The lighthouse became automated in 1976. This means machines took over the work of the keepers.
Who Manages the Lighthouse Today?
The Point Wilson Light is still managed by the United States Coast Guard. They make sure the light keeps working for ships. The land around the lighthouse is managed by Washington State Parks. The lighthouse is on an exposed point at Fort Worden State Park. This area faces serious threats from erosion and rising sea levels.
