Admiralty Head Lighthouse
1280 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, USA
Name and Location
The Admiralty Head Lighthouse is located at 1280 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, USA, situated on Whidbey Island in Washington State.
2. Construction and History
Built in 1893, this historic landmark has been guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of Puget Sound for over a century. The lighthouse was constructed during a period when maritime traffic was increasing significantly, making it an essential aid to navigation.
3. Architecture and Materials
The Admiralty Head Lighthouse stands at an impressive 66 feet (20 meters) tall, with a focal height of 135 feet (41 meters) above sea level. Its distinctive red-and-white striped exterior is adorned with a black lantern room and a copper roof.
4. Light and Navigation
The lighthouse originally displayed a third-order Fresnel lens, which was replaced in 1933 by a more modern electric light system. The light characteristic is still operational today, featuring a flashing white light every 15 seconds (Fl(3)W.15s).
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the Admiralty Head Lighthouse through guided tours offered by the Whidbey Island Historical Society. Tours provide insight into the lighthouse's rich history and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding waters.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Puget Sound, the surrounding islands, and the Olympic Mountains. On a clear day, it is possible to see as far as Mount Rainier, nearly 60 miles (97 kilometers) away. The lighthouse sits atop a scenic bluff overlooking the Puget Sound, with nearby beaches and parks offering opportunities for outdoor recreation.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
One local legend tells of a ghostly figure spotted by lighthouse keepers in the early 20th century. The spirit is believed to be that of a former keeper who died on the job.
8. Technical and Operational Details
The Admiralty Head Lighthouse has been automated since 1978, with a solar-powered light system ensuring continuous operation. Prior to automation, the lighthouse was operated by a series of keepers from its construction in 1893 until 1964. While no AIS or radar equipment is currently installed at the lighthouse, it remains an important navigational aid for mariners in the region.
9. Further Information
For more information on visiting the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, please contact the Whidbey Island Historical Society or consult their website.
Details
| Name | Admiralty Head Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | Coupeville |
| Country | Usa |
| Coordinates | 48.1608341, -122.6810596 |
| Year of construction | 1893 |
| Events | Severe storm damaged the lighthouse's lantern room, requiring repairs and renovations., Automation of the light system marked the end of an era for the lighthouse keepers. |
| Historic significance | Guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Puget Sound for over a century. |
| Keeper stories | Several former keepers have shared stories about their experiences at the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, including tales of harsh weather conditions, maintenance challenges, and the camaraderie among the keeper's families. |
| Stories | One local legend tells of a ghostly figure spotted by lighthouse keepers in the early 20th century. |
| Architectural style | Classic Scottish lighthouses of the 19th century |
| Architect | James R. Wight |
| Focal height | 41 |
| Tower height | 20 |
| Renovations | [object Object] |
| Access description | Guided tours offered by the Whidbey Island Historical Society. |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | Scenic bluff overlooking the Puget Sound |
| View description | Stunning views of Puget Sound, the surrounding islands, and the Olympic Mountains. |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | Toilets, Café, Gift shop |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Light characteristic | Fl(3)W.15s |
| Automated | true |