Name and Location

The Celina Rotary Lighthouse is located in Celina, Ohio, USA, situated at the intersection of Lake Shore Drive and South Main Street.

Construction and History

The Celina Rotary Lighthouse was constructed in 1920 as part of the US Lighthouse Service's efforts to improve navigation on Lake Erie. The lighthouse has played a crucial role in guiding mariners through the waters of Lake Erie, serving as both a leading light and a beacon.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is built of concrete and features a distinctive rotating Fresnel lens. Its architecture is characterized by its simple, yet elegant design, with a conical tower and a lantern room at the top.

Light and Navigation

The Celina Rotary Lighthouse emits a powerful beam of white light that can be seen for up to 12 miles out on Lake Erie. The light characteristic is Fl (3) W.15s, indicating that it flashes every 15 seconds with three pulses and then remains steady for one second.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is open to visitors during daylight hours, although guided tours are available upon request. Visitors can access the lighthouse by car or on foot via a short walk from downtown Celina.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Lake Erie and the surrounding countryside from the top of the lighthouse. The view is particularly breathtaking during sunset, when the sky turns pink and orange hues.

Anecdotes and Folklore

• The lighthouse has been the subject of local folklore over the years, with stories circulating about its role in guiding ships through treacherous waters. In one notable incident, the lighthouse played a crucial role in rescuing a group of stranded sailors during a severe storm in 1954.

Technical and Operational Details

In 1992, the lighthouse was automated, ending an era of manual operation that had begun in 1926. The lighthouse is still operational today, serving as an important aid to navigation for mariners on Lake Erie. Mariners navigating Lake Erie can refer to nautical chart number 14815 for information on the Celina Rotary Lighthouse and other navigation aids in the area.

Further Information

For more information on the Celina Rotary Lighthouse, readers can consult the following sources: "A Guide to Ohio's Lighthouses" by John T. Myers (Ohio University Press, 2001) and "Lighthouses of the Great Lakes" by Philip C. Van Valkenberg (Wayne State University Press, 1982).