Faro Los Morrillos

The Faro Los Morrillos, also known as Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, is a historic lighthouse located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico.

History

• The construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1910 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
• The lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of Mona Passage.

Architecture

The Faro Los Morrillos is a 76-foot (23 meters) tall, first-order Fresnel lens lighthouse. Its distinctive architecture features a cylindrical tower with a square base and a lantern room at the top.

The lighthouse was built using local materials, including stone and concrete, which were chosen for their durability and resistance to natural disasters.

Light Characteristics

• The Faro Los Morrillos emits a fixed white light that is visible from 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers) away.
• The distinctive pattern of three flashes per minute serves as a reliable aid to navigation for mariners.

Current Status

The Faro Los Morrillos remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since the 1990s.

The lighthouse is now managed by the United States Coast Guard and is open to the public for guided tours.

Location and Accessibility

The Faro Los Morrillos is located on the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse Trail in Puerto Rico.

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short hike from the trailhead, which offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

Heritage Status

• The Faro Los Morrillos was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1992 by the United States government.
• It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of Puerto Rico's most important cultural and historical landmarks.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Faro Los Morrillos played a significant role in monitoring German U-boats in the Mona Passage.
• The lighthouse was also used as a communication station for the United States military during this time period.

Architecture

The Faro Los Morrillos is a 76-foot (23 meters) tall, first-order Fresnel lens lighthouse. Its distinctive architecture features a cylindrical tower with a square base and a lantern room at the top.

The lighthouse was built using local materials, including stone and concrete, which were chosen for their durability and resistance to natural disasters.