Erie Harbor North Pier Light

The Erie Harbor North Pier Light, also known as the Presque Isle North Pier Light, is one of the three lighthouses near Erie, Pennsylvania in the United States. The light, situated at the far eastern end of Presque Isle State Park, helps mariners as they traverse the narrow inlet between Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.

Erie Harbor North Pier Light
LocationPresque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania, United States
Coordinates42°09′24.12″N 80°04′14.16″W
Year first constructed1858
AutomatedYes
FoundationPier[1]
ConstructionWrought iron encased in steel
Tower shapeSquare pyramidal
Markings / patternWhite with black horizontal band
Tower height34 feet (10 m)
Focal height13 metre 
Original lensFourth order Fresnel
Range6 nautical mile 
CharacteristicRed, Flashing
ARLHS numberUSA-274

Originally constructed as a wooden tower in 1830, that light was swept away by a schooner in 1857.[2] The current structure was forged in France and assembled on site in Erie. It was moved in 1882 and again in 1940. The United States Coast Guard, which operates the beacon, changed its fixed red beam to an automated red flashing light in 1995, at which time the 4th order Fresnel lens was sent to the Erie Maritime Museum.

References

  1. "Erie Harbor North Pierhead Light". National Park Service. December 6, 2002. Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  2. Bates, Samuel P (1884). History of Erie County. Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co.

Further reading

  • Oleszewski, Wes (1998). Great Lakes Lighthouses, American and Canadian: A Comprehensive Directory / Guide to Great Lakes Lighthouses. Gwinn, MI: Avery Color Studios. ISBN 0-932212-98-0.
  • United States Coast Guard (1957). Historically Famous Lighthouses. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.
  • Wright, Larry; Patricia Wright (2006). Great Lakes Lighthouses Encyclopedia. Erin, ON: Boston Mills Press. ISBN 1-55046-399-3.
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