Sambro Island Lighthouse

The Sambro Island Lighthouse is believed to date from 1759 and is reported to be the oldest surviving lighthouse in North America.

History

• The construction of the lighthouse is a National Historic Event.

Architecture

The lighthouse stands at a tower height of approximately 43 meters (141 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of about 66 meters (217 feet).

The structure is made from local stone and features a distinctive octagonal shape.

The light source is reportedly a first-order Fresnel lens.

Light Characteristics

The Sambro Island Lighthouse emits a white light that can be seen up to 23 nautical miles away.

• It operates on a six-second flash pattern, with the light being visible every five seconds for one second.
• The lighthouse also features a fog signal, emitting a horn sound at regular intervals.

Current Status

The Sambro Island Lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has reportedly been automated in recent years.

It remains a prominent landmark and a popular tourist destination.

Location and Accessibility

The lighthouse is situated on Sambro Island near the community of Sambro in the Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Visitors can access the lighthouse via the Sandy Cove Coastal Walk, which offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

Heritage Status

The Sambro Island Lighthouse has been designated as a National Historic Site of Canada and is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

Notable Historical Events

No specific notable historical events are reported to be associated with the Sambro Island Lighthouse.