National Lighthouse Day

National Lighthouse Day History

National Lighthouse Day celebrates the important role lighthouses have played throughout history. Being symbolic beacons of hope and safety, lighthouses have not only guided sailors to safe shores but have also represented the unwavering spirit of the maritime community. This commemorative day aims to raise awareness about the preservation of these historical structures and their significance in American culture.

The origin of National Lighthouse Day dates back to August 7, 1789, when the U.S. Congress enacted a law transferring lighthouses from individual states to the federal government, which led to the establishment of the United States Lighthouse Service. Since then, lighthouses have played a crucial role in the nation's development and expansion by ensuring the safety and navigation of countless ships. In 1989, as part of the 200th anniversary celebration, President George H. W. Bush officially designated August 7th as National Lighthouse Day. The observance pays homage to the dedicated services of lighthouse keepers and the rich maritime heritage of America.

On National Lighthouse Day, people across the United States come together to celebrate and appreciate these iconic structures. Lighthouse preservation organizations and maritime museums host various events, including open houses, guided tours, and educational presentations. Communities gather to share stories, engage in historical discussions, and promote the efforts to preserve the nation's lighthouses for future generations to cherish. Mark your calendars for August 7th and join the celebrations honoring the enduring legacy of American lighthouses.

National Lighthouse Day facts

• The first lighthouse to be built in the world is believed to be the Pharos of Alexandria. According to howstuffworks, it is thought to have been constructed around 270 B.C in ancient Egypt. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is believed to have been the tallest structure on the planet at the time, 450 feet (137.16 meters) tall.
• The oldest and still functioning lighthouse in the world is the Tower of Hercules. It was built by the Romans in northern Spain during the 1st century A.D.
• The US Congress passed an act in 1789 that provided for the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers. By 1900 the US had built more than 1,000 lighthouses. National Lighthouse Day was established in 1989 in celebration of the 200th anniversary of this act. It was also the day of the first federally commissioned lighthouse. National Lighthouse Day would again be recognized in 2013 but only as an unofficial holiday.
• The US National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 detailed a process in which the coast guard can transfer decommissioned lighthouses to nonprofit groups and other organizations. This method allows the history and aesthetics of lighthouses in the US to be preserved. If no organizations claim the lighthouse, it goes up for auction to the public.

In the News and Trending in the US for National Lighthouse Day

Top things to do in the US for National Lighthouse Day

• Visit a lighthouse. Some of the most notable are the Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, Massachusetts, and the Cape Hatteras in North Carolina. Another notable lighthouse is the St. George Reef in Crescent City, California. It is one of the most expensive lighthouses ever built in the US ($700,000).
• Watch a special edition video from the US Lighthouse Society. The video looks at Congress' act of 1789 which established lighthouses. It also celebrates National Lighthouse Day.
• Watch a movie about lighthouses and the struggles that come from maintaining one. Here are our suggestions:
  The Lighthouse (2019)
  The Vanishing (2018)
  The Light Between Oceans (2016)
• If you're interested in the history of lighthouses, you might want to visit a lighthouse museum, such as the National Lighthouse Museum in Staten Island, New York.