Negril Lighthouse
Negril Lighthouse was built in 1894 1.5 miles (2.4 km) south south east of the westernmost tip of the island of Jamaica by the French company Barber & Bernard.[3] It is one of the earliest concrete lighthouses.[1]
Location | Negril Point Westmoreland Jamaica[1] |
---|---|
Coordinates | 18.2484318°N 78.3605111°W[2] |
Tower | |
Constructed | 1894[3] |
Foundation | a 14 feet (4.3 m) deep tank of water for balance and security during earthquakes[3] |
Construction | reinforced concrete tower[1] |
Automated | yes[4] |
Height | 27 metres (89 ft)[4] |
Shape | tapered cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
Markings | white tower and lantern[3] |
Power source | solar power |
Heritage | national monument |
Light | |
Focal height | 31 metres (102 ft)[1] |
Range | 15 nmi (28 km; 17 mi) |
Characteristic | One flash every 2 s, alternating red and white[1] |
Its foundation is a tank 14 feet (4.3 m) deep, which is kept filled with water to keep the 20-metre (66 ft)[3] (27 metres (89 ft) according to Rowlett)[1] reinforced concrete tower balanced and secured in the event of an earthquake.[3] The tower is topped with a lantern and gallery.[1]
An automatic white light 30 m (100 feet) above sea level flashes every two seconds.[1] The light was operated by gas initially, switching to acetylene in 1956 and solar energy in 1985.[3][4]
Several adjacent one-story frame keeper's houses are staffed.[1]
The site is a well-known attraction of the Negril area.[1]
It is maintained by the Port Authority of Jamaica, an agency of the Ministry of Transport and Works.[1]
See also
References
- Rowlett, Russ (2008-10-20). "Lighthouses of Jamaica". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- UK Directorate of Overseas Surveys 1:50,000 map of Jamaica (12 sheets), 1958-1973.
- Negril Point Lighthouse Archived 2011-06-29 at the Wayback Machine, Jamaica National Heritage Trust, 2005.
- Negril Point Lighthouse, Frans Eijgenraam, 2000.