Tchefuncte River Range Lights facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Tchefuncte River Range
Rear Light

The Tchefuncte River Rear Light
Tchefuncte River Range Rear Light Location in Louisiana
Location	Mouth of the Tchefuncte River, Louisiana
Coordinates	30°22′46.7″N 90°10′08.8″W / 30.379639°N 90.169111°W / 30.379639; -90.169111
Year first constructed	1838
Year first lit	1868 (current tower)
Automated	1952
Foundation	Stone
Construction	Brick
Tower shape	Conical
Markings / pattern	White with black vertical stripe, black lantern
Focal height	49 feet (15 m)
Original lens	5th order Fresnel lens
Current lens	9.8 inches (250 mm)
Characteristic	Isophase White 6s
Fog signal	none now, bell in past
USCG number	4-10145

Tchefuncte River Range
Front Light

Tchefuncte River Range Front Light Location in Louisiana
Coordinates	30°22′42.55″N 90°10′10.16″W / 30.3784861°N 90.1694889°W / 30.3784861; -90.1694889
Year first constructed	1838
Tower shape	Skeleton tower
Markings / pattern	KRW
Focal height	25 feet (7.6 m)
Characteristic	Quick flashing white
Fog signal	none
USCG number	4-10140

The Tchefuncte River Range Lights are a special pair of lighthouses. They help boats find their way safely. These lights guide ships entering the Tchefuncte River. This river flows into Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. They have been helping sailors for a very long time.

Tchefuncte River Range Lights

What Are Range Lights?

Range lights are like a special guide for boats. They are two lights that work together. One light is in front, and one is behind it. When a boat lines up the two lights, it knows it is on the right path. This helps boats avoid shallow water or dangers.

History of the Lights

The first Tchefuncte River Range Lights were built in 1838. They were very important for boats coming from Lake Pontchartrain. The lights used nine lamps and special reflectors. These helped make the light bright enough to see far away.

During the American Civil War, the original rear lighthouse was damaged. It was replaced with a new tower in 1868. The new tower was built on the same foundation. It even used some of the old bricks. This new tower was ten feet taller than the first one. It also got a lantern from another lighthouse. This lantern came from the Cat Island Light in Mississippi.

How They Look Today

The rear lighthouse has a black stripe going up and down. This stripe helps sailors see the range line during the day. It sits on a small piece of land. However, you can only reach it by boat.

The front light is a skeleton tower. This means it looks like a metal frame. It sits in the open water. It has a special sign called a KRW daymark. This sign has a red stripe between two white stripes. It helps boats see the front light during the day.

Protecting the Past

In 1986, the rear lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum is working to fix and protect the lighthouse. They want to make sure it stays safe for many years.