Grand Turk Lighthouse
Grand Turk Lighthouse, Lighthouse Rd, TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands
Name and Location
The Grand Turk Lighthouse is located on the island of Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Its coordinates are latitude 21.5115898° N and longitude -71.1336107° W.
Construction and History
The Grand Turk Lighthouse was constructed in 1852 during the British colonial era. Originally built to guide ships safely into the harbor and serve as a warning against potential dangers such as reefs and shoals, it has played an important role in maritime history.
Architecture and Materials
Standing at an impressive 18 meters (59 feet) tall, with a focal height of 15.5 meters (51 feet), the lighthouse's cylindrical shape is topped by a distinctive lantern room housing the original Fresnel lens. Its architecture reflects a blend of British and Caribbean influences.
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse was initially operated manually by a keeper who would tend to the light and perform routine maintenance tasks. In 1969, it was automated, freeing up the keeper to focus on other duties. Today, the light is powered by solar panels and a battery system.
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the lighthouse museum during regular hours (Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM). Guided tours are available, but advance booking is recommended. On-site facilities include restrooms and a small gift shop.
Notable Views and Landscape
From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, surrounding islands, and crystal-clear waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The landscape is characterized by coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and lush vegetation.
Anecdotes and Folklore
Locals often share stories about the lighthouse's role in guiding ships through treacherous waters and its significance as a cultural icon. Visitors may also hear tales of shipwrecks and maritime mishaps that occurred nearby.
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse has been recognized as an important historical landmark by the Turks and Caicos Islands government. Navigators can consult nautical charts referencing the lighthouse's position (Waypoint 410381421) or use GPS coordinates (21.5115898° N, -71.1336107° W).
Further Information
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free admission (donations welcome)
- Guided Tours: Advance booking recommended
- On-site Facilities: Restrooms, gift shop
Nearby attractions include Cockburn Town, the Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum, and snorkeling and diving excursions to nearby coral reefs.
Details
| Name | Grand Turk Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | |
| Country | Turks And Caicos Islands |
| Coordinates | 21.5115898, -71.1336107 |
| Year of construction | 1852 |
| Events | arrival of British colonialists; establishment of Turks and Caicos Islands as a Crown colony |
| Historic significance | role in maritime history, cultural icon |
| Stories | role in guiding ships through treacherous waters |
| Architectural style | British and Caribbean influences |
| Focal height | 15.5 |
| Tower height | 18 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Renovations | converted to a museum and tourist attraction |
| Access description | Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and lush vegetation |
| View description | panoramic views of the surrounding waters |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | restrooms, gift shop |
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Nearby attractions | ["Cockburn Town","Turks and Caicos Islands National Museum","snorkeling and diving excursions to nearby coral reefs"] |
| Automated | true |