Northwest Corner Light

The Northwest Corner Light is a historic lighthouse located on the coast of Alaska, United States.

History

• The Northwest Corner Light was constructed in 1907 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to serve as a navigational aid for mariners approaching the northwest corner of Prince William Sound.
• The light was built using local granite and cedar wood, with a distinctive octagonal tower that stands at 50 feet (15 meters) tall.

Architecture

The lighthouse features an octagonal tower with a first-order Fresnel lens, which produces a red light visible up to 20 nautical miles.

• The tower is topped with a small gallery and a lantern room containing the light source.
• The structure is built using local granite and cedar wood, with a distinctive wooden superstructure.

Light Characteristics

The Northwest Corner Light emits a fixed red light that is visible from a distance of 20 nautical miles.

• The light is powered by an electric motor and is maintained by automated systems.

Current Status

The Northwest Corner Light is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been largely automated since the 1980s.

The lighthouse remains in operation, although its maintenance and upkeep are now managed by a private organization.

Location and Accessibility

The Northwest Corner Light is located on the coast of Unorganized Borough, Alaska, United States.

• The lighthouse can be accessed via a short walk from the nearby parking area, which is situated approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the nearest public road.

Heritage Status

The Northwest Corner Light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also recognized as a historic landmark by the State of Alaska.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Northwest Corner Light played an important role in the war effort, serving as a navigational aid for Allied forces approaching the Aleutian Islands.
• The lighthouse was also used as a temporary radio station and observation post during this time.