Name and Location

The Tacoma Lighthouse is located in Point Defiance Park, Washington, USA, at coordinates 47.3166939° N, 122.5481024° W.

Construction and History

The Tacoma Lighthouse was built in 1890 to guide mariners through the treacherous waters of the Puget Sound. Initially, it was a manual operation, with a keeper responsible for maintaining the light and fog signal. In the early 20th century, the lighthouse was automated, making it easier to maintain.

Architecture and Materials

The Tacoma Lighthouse is constructed from stone and mortar, standing at an impressive height of approximately 6.4 meters (21 feet). Its distinctive red color makes it easily visible against the surrounding landscape.

Light and Navigation

• Type: Fl (Focal Plane)
• Height: 6.4008 meters (20.9997 feet)
• Period: 6 seconds
• Range: 6 miles (9.656 kilometers)

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can enter the lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the Puget Sound. Guided tours are available during specific hours, usually from spring to fall.

Notable Views and Landscape

Anecdotes and Folklore

No specific local folklore or unique anecdotes are documented about the Tacoma Lighthouse. However, stories of former keepers, their daily routines, and challenges faced during operations might be interesting additions to this article.

Technical and Operational Details

While there are no records of AIS (Automatic Identification System) or radar installations at the Tacoma Lighthouse, it is likely that modern navigation systems would be integrated into its operations. The lighthouse has been referenced in various nautical charts and publications, providing essential information for mariners navigating the Puget Sound.

Further Information

The City of Tacoma's Parks and Recreation department manages the Tacoma Lighthouse. The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation has published a report on the lighthouse, along with other local newspapers and archives, such as The News Tribune and The Tacoma Daily Index.