Arecibo Lighthouse
A closeup view of Arecibo Lighthouse
LocationArecibo
Puerto Rico
Coordinates18°28′55.076″N 66°41′55.335″W / 18.48196556°N 66.69870417°W / 18.48196556; -66.69870417
Tower
Constructed1898 Edit this on Wikidata
FoundationStone base
ConstructionStone and Brick Tower
Automated1964
Height46 feet (14 m)
ShapeHexagonal tower with balcony and lantern attached to the primary building.
Markingswhite tower, black lantern
HeritageNational Register of Historic Places listed place Edit this on Wikidata
Light
First lit1898
Focal height120 feet (37 m)
LensThird order Fresnel lens (1898)
Range14 nautical miles (26 km; 16 mi)
CharacteristicFl W 5s.
Faro de Arecibo
Architectural styleNeoclassic
MPSLighthouse System of Puerto Rico TR
NRHP reference No.77001546[1]

Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park (Spanish: Faro de Arecibo) is a historic lighthouse located in the city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. It is also known as Los Morrillos Lighthouse and is as a monument to Puerto Rico's complex history under Spanish colonial rule. Perched atop the rugged Punta Morrillos headland since 1898, this iconic lighthouse was the last constructed under Spain's 300-year presence on the island. Despite the collapse of the Spanish Empire following the Spanish-American war that same year, the Arecibo Lighthouse endured as a beacon through subsequent decades of change.

The lighthouse was designed in the neoclassical architectural style popular during the 19th century, featuring a stately rectangular building with an attached hexagonal tower. The rectangular keeper's house measures 40 feet 4 inches (12.29 m) wide by 84 feet 2 inches (25.65 m) long. The hexagonal tower is topped by a dome made of bronze that encases the working lantern room.

The original lighting apparatus was a Fresnel lens of the third order, able to project a beam of light with a radius of 18 miles to warn approaching ships. In 1931, the lighthouse was modernized and converted to electric power. Today, the lantern houses a 190mm lens that emits a bright white flash repeating every five seconds.

After the light was automated in 1964, the unmanned structure fell victim to decay and vandalism without resident keepers. Sadly, the original Fresnel lens, a masterpiece of lighting engineering, met an ignoble end. The lens was damaged in 1975 and completely destroyed in 1977, severing another tangible link to the lighthouse's origins. For years the historic tower stood neglected. Despite this period of decline, the sturdy lighthouse endured as a testament to its sound construction.

After years of neglect, the iconic Arecibo Lighthouse underwent a meticulous restoration in 2001 by a private company dedicated to preserving the historic landmark. It is now operated as the Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park, featuring interactive exhibits that bring Puerto Rico's rich history to life. Visitors can explore a replica Taíno Indian village, models of Columbus' legendary ships, slavery quarters, a pirate ship replica and cave, mini zoo, saltwater aquariums, playground, and water park. The lighthouse itself houses a museum with maritime artifacts, exhibits on the lighthouse's engineering and history, and the Spanish-American War.

The painstaking restoration of this engineering marvel allows new generations to appreciate its history and purpose. In addition to guiding ships as originally intended, the Arecibo Lighthouse now helps visitors navigate the captivating narrative of Puerto Rico through engaging exhibits and displays. It once again stands as a respected coastal landmark, treasured both for its past service and the enriching experiences it offers today.

While the lighthouse itself remains little changed from its original construction, the history it represents is one of conflict and conquest. Its presence is a reminder of Puerto Rico's status as one of the last remnants of Spain's once vast empire. Yet it also stands as a symbol of the island's resilience through the rise and fall of colonial powers.

The Arecibo Lighthouse continues to watch faithfully over the waters it has illuminated for generations.

This lighthouse should not be confused with the Cabo Rojo lighthouse, known as Faro de Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Inventory of Historic Light Stations National Park Service". Archived from the original on 23 March 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
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