Head Harbour Light
210 Lighthouse Rd, Wilsons Beach, NB E5E 1M2, Canada
Name and Location
The Head Harbour Light, also known as the East Quoddy Head Lighthouse, is located on Campobello Island in New Brunswick, Canada. The island is situated just off the coast of Maine, USA, and is connected to the mainland by a causeway.
2. Construction and History
The Head Harbour Light was built in 1875, making it one of the oldest lighthouses on the East Coast of Canada. The original tower was designed by architect Thomas Fuller and stands at a height of 15 meters (49 feet) above sea level. Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several renovations and restorations to maintain its functionality and preserve its historic integrity.
3. Architecture and Materials
The Head Harbour Light is an octagonal tower with a red and white striped exterior, typical of many lighthouses on the East Coast. The structure is built from brick and stone, with a square base and a tapering roofline that rises to a height of approximately 15 meters (49 feet).
4. Light and Navigation
The Head Harbour Light exhibits a distinctive red sector light with a range of approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles). The light is visible for 360 degrees, making it an important aid to navigation for mariners traveling through the busy shipping lanes in the area.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the Head Harbour Light via Wilsons Beach Road on Campobello Island. The lighthouse is open to the public for guided tours during the summer months, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline and ocean.
6. Notable Features and Heritage Status
The Head Harbour Light has been recognized as a significant cultural and historical landmark in Canada, earning it a place on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. In 2013, the lighthouse was designated as a National Historic Site by the Government of Canada.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
8. Technical and Operational Details
The Head Harbour Light was once operated manually by a lighthouse keeper, but in recent years it has been automated. Today, the light remains operational, providing critical guidance to mariners navigating the treacherous waters of the Bay of Fundy.
9. Further Information
For further reading, please visit the Wikipedia page for the Head Harbour Lighthouse: [en:Head Harbour Light](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_Harbour_Light).
Details
Name | Head Harbour Light |
---|---|
City | Campobello Island |
Country | Canada |
Coordinates | 44.9579428, -66.9000058 |
Year of construction | 1875 |
Events | shipwrecks, rescues |
Architectural style | octagonal tower with red and white striped exterior |
Architect | Thomas Fuller |
Construction material | brick, stone |
Focal height | 18 |
Tower height | 15 |
Heritage status | true |
Renovations | several renovations and restorations |
Access description | Wilsons Beach Road on Campobello Island |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | coastline |
Guided tours | true |
Facilities | toilets, cafe, gift shop |
Opening hours | summer months only |
Light characteristic | distinctive red sector light with a range of approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) |
Light range | 13 |
Automated | true |