Published by Kirby on 11 Jul 2009
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
Last week I shot these photos of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation has opened the restored second and third floors of the lighthouse and is conducting limited tours.
Short History of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was originally built in 1848 and was only 65′ tall. The original lighthouse was powered by whale oil.
In 1868, a new lighthouse was build an equipped with a first order Fresnel Lens. The new lighthouse was 151′ tall and the light could be seen for 22 miles.
In 1892, with erosion within 70′ of the lighthouse base, the decision was made and the lighthouse was moved one mile inland to its present location.
In 1939 the Coast Guard took ownership of the lighthouse.
In 2000, stewardship of the lighthouse was transferred to the 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, making this the only operational lighthouse owned by the US Air Force.
In 2004 restoration began, then on April 29, 2007, the lighthouse light was re-lit and is visible throughout Cape Canaveral.
Tours of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
If you want to view the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse yourself, tours of the lighthouse are available on a very limited basis, A tour may be arranged by contacting the 45th Space Wing Public Affairs at 321.494.5945 or 321.494.5949.
