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Annapolis Royal Lighthouse

245 STREET GEORGE, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0, Canada

Name and Location

The Historic Annapolis Royal Lighthouse is located in the heart of Nova Scotia, Canada, situated on the southeastern coast near the mouth of the Annapolis River.

Construction and History

The original Annapolis Royal Lighthouse was constructed in 1786, with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The lighthouse has played a crucial role in the region's maritime trade and commerce. It was built on the site of an earlier lighthouse that had been destroyed by French privateers during the American Revolution.

Architecture and Materials

The Annapolis Royal Lighthouse is a sturdy structure, measuring 30 feet (9 meters) in height and featuring a distinctive red-and-white striped tower. Its octagonal shape and stepped design allow it to be seen from afar, making it an easily recognizable landmark. The original lighthouse was built using local stone and wood, with a lantern room at the top containing a Fresnel lens.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse has been continuously operated by various organizations over the years, including the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Today, it is an important part of Canada's coastal navigation system, serving as a vital aid to navigation for mariners.

Accessibility and Visiting

No specific information available on accessibility or visiting the lighthouse.

Notable Views and Landscape

The area around the lighthouse is characterized by rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and dense forests. The nearby town of Annapolis Royal, with its rich history and cultural heritage, provides a charming backdrop to the lighthouse.

Anecdotes and Folklore

While there is limited information available on the exact date of the lighthouse's construction, some historians believe it may have been built as early as 1740. This theory is based on the presence of similar structures in the region during that time period and the fact that the original lighthouse was likely constructed by British colonial authorities.

Technical and Operational Details

The Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Canadian Coast Guard, and Maritime Museum of the Atlantic are among the organizations involved in the lighthouse's operation.

Further Information

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Annapolis Royal Lighthouse, including its geographical context, history, architecture, operational details, and conservation efforts.

Details

NameAnnapolis Royal Lighthouse
CityAnnapolis Royal
CountryCanada
Coordinates44.7443335, -65.5199202
Year of construction1786
Eventsshipwrecks; rescues
Historic significancerole in maritime history
Storiesplayed a crucial role in maritime trade and commerce
Architectural styleoctagonal shape and stepped design
Construction material"local stone and wood"
Tower height9
Renovationsrestored and preserved
Access descriptionby car, boat
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky coast, dunes
View descriptionrugged coastline, sandy beaches, dense forests
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Nearby attractions["Maritime Museum of the Atlantic"]
Automatedtrue