August 7 is National Lighthouse Day. This date began in 1789. This is because on August 7, 1789, the U.S. Congress He passed a law that allowed the federal government to regulate the creation and maintenance of lighthouses. Lighthouses have been very important in septal throughout history. The lighthouse guided the ships through the waters and to the land. Over the years, radar and GPS technologies have taken over the navigational roles of ships. But lighthouses still make land visible in storms. Take time on August 7 to learn about lighthouses. Starting with these top five facts about lighthouses is a good way to start learning.
The most powerful lighthouse was older than Jesus Christ. /a>
While it may seem like lighthouses are a technology that was invented after electric lights were invented, this is not the case. The lighthouse stood in Alexandria, Egypt. It was known as the Lighthouse of Alexandria. This city was built by Ptolemy I and Ptolemy II. It was one of the seven ancient wonders of the world (Little Thing: Sea Lights).
The station has the oldest light tower built in the US
America’s oldest city located on Boston Harbor. It was built in 1716 (Millburg). The first Keeper of the Lighthouse died for her when he, his wife, and daughter drowned in 1718 (Fighthouse Facts: Sea the lights). That tower was destroyed by the British in 1776 and replaced in 1786 by a tower built in 1783 to still be a sailing ship (Millburg).
New England is the Home of many Lighthouses
When they think of lighthouses, they often think of New England. This is because of the lighthouses of New England. New England is an area that has a lot of fog. This means that fog warning thoughts are necessary. Because of this, NewEngland lighthouses were built to guide ships through the fog (Lighthouses: FAQ).
Lady Liberty truly lit the way
The Statue of Liberty no longer serves as a lighthouse. However, the lighthouse was lit from 1886 until 1902. It was the first city to use electricity. Beam visible 24 miles from New York Harbor (Millburg).
America’s last lighthouse is over 50
While the Lighthouse is still in use as a lighthouse for harbors to guide ships, the last city in the United He is 50 years old (Millburg). It was completed on June 15, 1962 (Charleston). It is also the only city that has an elevator and air conditioning (Millburg).
Charleston (Sullivan’s Island) Lighthouse, South Carolina at Lighthousefriends. (n.d.). Familiar Lighthouses Retrieved August 13, 2012, from http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=334
Lighthouse (n.d.). Scaevola Lighthouse – America’s Lighthouse News & History Magazine. Retrieved August 13, 2012, from http://www.lhdigest.com/facts.cfm
Lighthouse (n.d.). MARI LIGHTS.COM. Retrieved August 13, 2012, from http://www.seathelights.com/other/facts.html
Lighthouse: FAQ – FactMonster.com (n.d.). Fact Monster: Online Almanac, Dictionary, Encyclopedia, Home Help – FactMonster.com Retrieved August 13, 2012, from http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0800131.html
Millburg, S. (n.d.). Lighthouse Fun Facts – Coastal Living Maritime Living – The best in maritime, travel, and food. Retrieved August 13, 2012, from http://www.coastalliving.com/travel/top-10/fun-facts-about-lighthouses-00400000000665/
