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Cape Arago Light House...
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Cape Arago Light House, near Coos Bay, is the oldest continuously operated light house in Oregon. This Fabulous Light House was Oregon's second light house; however, the first light house built was the Umpqua River Light House. Time proved that the Umpqua River Valley was not as thriving as was initially thought.
Originally, the busiest waterway on the Oregon Coast finally gave in to Coos Bay when the Umpqua River Light House collapsed. Coos Bay, out of default became the prominent waterway; hence, the construction of Cape Arago Light House.
In 1864, Congress appropriated funds for the construction of Cape Arago Light House. November 1, 1866 the light was lit. The light house was built on an island, a rather small piece of construction, only 25-feet in height, 75-feet above the sea and shining a beam of light 14 miles out to sea.It was a challenge, receiving supplies from the main land where Empire City was located.
Crossing the channel was treacherous and took a few lives over the course of time. In 1876 a footbridge was constructed. In 1889 the footbridge was upgraded to a cable car. 1898 another upgrade was in-order. Construction began for a "real" bridge.
Time took a toll on the original Cape Arago Light House. Succumbed to the harsh climate conditions and an inadequate beam of light, it was decided a new light house was needed. The new light house lit it's light on July 1, 1909. It was 100 feet above the water, capable of casting a beam of light 16-miles out to sea.
The 3rd and final Cape Arago Light House was constructed and lit in 1934. In 1966 the Light House became fully automated. In 1993, the Coast Guard renovated Cape Arago Light House as well as the others along the Oregon Coast.
Coos Bay Settlement Grows...
Coos Bay area continued to grow, especially after the decline of Scottsburg located on the Umpqua River. It was essential to get a light house in Coos Bay area to protect mariners and encourage commerce. Congress recognized this importance and took immediate action. The Umpqua River Light House was initially built in the wrong location. It merely served the entrance to the river and was beaten by river floodwaters.
Had the Umpqua River Light House been built in it's now present location, history may have been different. There probably would not have been a Cape Arago Light House showing the entrance to Coos Bay. With no light house casting it's beam, that meant no ships, which meant few supplies and added a higher cost of living. Coos Bay would not have existed as it is today.
The same is true today, if an area is not accessible, the cost of living is higher and people tend to leave the area looking for jobs, etc. When the Cape Arago Light House was opened it brought in whole new dimension of life. It became a thriving port.
You can get a good view of the light house from Sunset Bay State Park. It's about 12-miles west of Highway 101. Follow the signs towards Coos Bay. Like all of the other Light Houses on the Oregon Coast, Cape Arago Light House makes for a great visit. You will not be able to go directly into the light house, or touch it for that matter, but you can get some great views from Sunset Bay State Park.
Be sure to check out the Oregon Coast for more tips.
We'd like to hear about your visit to the Cape Arago Light House, contact us.
Craig Dahl - Senior Editor
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