Logo

lighthouse-index

SitkaLighthouse

239 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835, USA

Name and Location

The Sitka Lighthouse stands 35 feet tall and 60 feet above sea level in Sitka, Alaska, USA. It is located on Lincoln Street, address 239, near the city's historic district.

Construction and History

The Sitka Lighthouse was constructed in 1911 during the construction era of the early 20th century. Officially known as the Sitka Lighthouse, it serves as a significant historical landmark listed under "Alaska" > "Buildings and structures in Alaska" on Wikipedia.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse features an architectural style that blends elements of Victorian-era design with traditional Alaskan influences. The structure is made of wooden materials and has a height of 35 feet above sea level, with a focal height of approximately 60 feet.

Light and Navigation

The Sitka Lighthouse was originally equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens, emitting a Fl(3)W.15s light pattern that could be seen up to 18 nautical miles away. Although the original light source is no longer in operation, the structure still maintains its historic charm and significance.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can enter the complex, explore the grounds, and take in the stunning views of Sitka Sound and surrounding mountains. The nearest airport is Tongass Airport (KTN), with bus services connecting to the lighthouse's location.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the lighthouse's vantage point, visitors can take in breathtaking views of Sitka Sound, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. The nearby Tongass National Forest offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local lore, the Sitka Lighthouse has been a guiding beacon for mariners and fishermen since its construction in 1911. It played a crucial role in maritime history by serving as a vital aid-to-navigation for vessels traversing the Pacific Ocean.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was previously manually operated but has since been automated. For navigation purposes, consult nautical charts such as those found on NOAA's Office of Coast Survey or International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).

Further Information

For opening hours, entrance fees, guided tours, and on-site facilities, please visit the Sitka Lighthouse's official website at https://www.sitkalighthouse.com/. Explore the city's historic district, visit the nearby Tongass National Forest for outdoor activities, or take a short drive to the Sitka National Historical Park.

Details

NameSitkaLighthouse
CitySitka
CountryUsa
Coordinates57.0359293, -135.333655
Websitehttps://www.sitkalighthouse.com/
Year of construction1911
Events
Historic significanceVitalaid-to-navigationforvesselstraversingthePacificOcean
Keeper stories
Stories
Architectural styleVictorian-eradesignwithtraditionalAlaskaninfluences
Construction materialWoodenmaterials
Focal height60feet
Tower height35feet
Landscape type
View descriptionBreathtakingviewsofSitkaSound,thePacificOcean,andsurroundingmountains
Facilities
Light characteristicFl(3)W.15slightpattern,previouslyemittedbythird-orderFresnellens
Light range18nauticalmilesaway