Assateague Island Lighthouse was first built in 1831. The original light was only 45 ft. tall. The tower was too short and the multi lamp/ reflector optic too dim for an efficient aid to navigation. Construction of a new light was started in 1860, but was soon halted during the Civil War. It resumed in 1865, & was completed in 1867. The oil house was added later.
|
The 142 foot tower stands on a 22 foot mound consisting of crushed oyster shells, donated by a local oysterman. The tower has an unique dumbwaiter system alcoved into the walls. The lift was used for the raising of oil cans to the watch room. A 1st order Fresnel lens and oil powered Argand lamp displayed a beam for 14 nautical miles. The Coast Guard owns the light.
|
