Cape Meares Light House...
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Cape Meares Light House, just south of Tillamook, is a different kind of structure. The tower is short, unlike many other light houses. Towards the sea from the light house, the cliffs drop nearly vertical to the ocean swells 200 feet below. A prominent structure, giving fair warning to mariners of the obstacles that lay along the Oregon Coast.
Cape Meares, Built in the Wrong Place?...
The latter 1800's, when Congress was busy appropriating funds for light houses and engineers were bustling about to make schedules, rumor had it that Cape Meares was built in the wrong place. The land was rugged terrain, most of it not inhabited, roads were scarce and sea travel along the Oregon Coast was treacherous. It's no wonder people thought construction of light houses were often done in the wrong place.
The rumor states that Cape Meares should have been built 10-miles to the south at Cape Lookout. The research done by "history buffs" indicates Cape Meares Light House is located in the correct location as planned. Rumors may have started from distraught mariners who had their own idea of light house locations; nevertheless, the Light House Board approved all locations.
Congress approved the money for Cape Meares Light House, March 1887. Construction began in the spring of 1889. The construction went fairly well with an accessible road for supplies and a fresh water source on site. The construction phase ended September of 1887. The only remaining item for the 38-foot structure was the Fresnel Lens. It was on order from France.
Celebrating the New Year, January 1, 1890 the kerosene lamp was lit. Cape Meares Light House came alive casting its beam of light out into the dark Pacific Ocean. With technology advancing, the light house was equipped with flashing light and tinted lenses. Every minute there was a flash of red followed by a steady white light. It could be seen out to sea for 21-miles.
With the added new technology of a winding mechanism that caused the lens to rotate creating a beacon flashing effect, came the breakdowns. It was the keepers responsibility to make sure the lens rotated freely and timely. If any mechanism was non-functional the keepers fixed it. If the lens had a mechanical failure during the watch (while the light was lit), the keeper had to hand turn the rotating lens until daybreak. Then he could fix the mechanical failure. If it could not be fixed it meant another night, hand-rotating the lens.
In 1934 generators came to the Cape Meares Light House and provided electricity. The light house became automated, replacing the fuel lamp with an electric bulb and the mechanical wind-up rotating mechanism with an electric motor.
April 1, 1963 the Fresnel Lens was replaced with a new lens. Cape Meares Light House became fully automated flashing a white light 24-hours a day. It makes for a great visit to see this historical masterpiece. Located just 9-miles west of Tillamook, Cape Meares is situated along some of Oregon's most pristine coastal areas. The drive in is spectacular. Be sure to check out the Oregon Coast for more tips.
Watch out for sea lions,
Craig Dahl - Senior Editor
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