A Little History...The Coastal Light HousesThe beginnings of the light houses began when the Pacific Northwest became a U.S. Territory back in 1848. The coastal areas was dominated with the Native Americans conducting their lively hood of primarily fishing.
In 1848, the gold-rush began in California creating a need for more supplies. Lumber and food supplies were needed to host the many people moving into the California area. The Oregon Coast was a fertile ground for the resources. Local settlements throughout Oregon flourished by providing timber and grains to the support the high demand in California.
The maritime trade grew along the Oregon Coast requiring Congress to take a serious look at investing into the Oregon Coast Light House. With the increase in shipping activities it did not take them long to authorize the needed funds for Oregon light houses.
It wasn't until 1853 that the first Oregon light house construction began, Cape Disappointment. (Cape Disappointment is located in Washington, however, we have included this light house because it serves the Oregon Coast shining it's beacon of light across the mouth of the Columbia River.)
The Fresnel Lens was the state-of-the-art technology in the 1800's. The lens was capable of taking a kerosene lamp and focusing it into a powerful beam of light. The len's were handcrafted in Europe with precision.
It was the Light House Keepers responsibility to keep the light burning. Often, their daily chores was carrying gallons of fuel up the long spiral stair cases by day and keeping the light lit by night. And, they had to keep up the maintenance on the light house itself. The Oregon Coast Light House is directly exposed to severe weather. It was quite the chore for the on-going painting.
The Oregon Coast Light House was also subject to fires. With the flammable liquids in abundant supply, a fire was just waiting to happen. And it was not uncommon to hear about a Light House fire. It wasn't until the 1930's that the Light Houses began making the necessary changes. The U.S. Coastguard took charge of them and began implementing the changes from fuel to electricity. In the 1960's the change began to one of automation, replacing the Light House Keepers.
Now with the sophisticated navigation systems, radar, GPS and the like, the Oregon Coast Light Houses serve more as a historical maker. They, however, continue to shine their beacons of light out to sea, guiding maritime vessels and bringing the maritime essence across the home along the Oregon Coast.
Oregon Coast Light HousesNorth to South
Cape Disappointment (Located in Washington but serves the Oregon Coast).
Point Adams Light House
Tillamook Rock Light House
Cape Meares Light House
Coquille River Light House
Yaquina Bay Light House
Yaquina Head Light House
Heceta Head Light House
Umpqua River Light House
Cape Arago Light House
Cape Blanco Light House
Hope you enjoy the Light House's as much as we do.
Craig Dahl & The Editorial Staff
Senior Editors
Return to Northwest Travel Tips Home Page
We're also the Senior Editors for Luxury Romantic Vacations and Abolish Back Pain; we've brought the Best of the worlds together, Love, Health & Travel.
