Ever imagined that a simple kerosene lantern hanging from a barn could evolve into the Alki Point Lighthouse? This beacon has been guiding ships into Elliott Bay for over a century. It stands as a testament to maritime history.
The story of the Alki Point Lighthouse begins in the 1870s. Farmer Hans Martin Hanson placed a kerosene lantern on his barn. This unofficial act marked the treacherous Alki Point shoals. It also guided ships to the southern entrance of Elliott Bay. The U.S. Lighthouse Board recognized the need for a more official marker in 1887. They installed a post lantern on Alki Point. Hanson became the official keeper. He earned $15 per month. His duties included checking fuel cleaning glass and trimming wicks. He lit the lantern each night and extinguished it each morning.
Hanson’s son Edmund inherited the light and keeper duties. But the post lantern wasn’t enough. Foggy weather often rendered it useless. The Lighthouse Board requested funds for a fog signal as early as 1895. It took years of requests before Congress finally approved the money.
In 1910 Edmund Hanson sold the land to the government. By 1913 the Alki Point Lighthouse was complete. The 37-foot octagonal brick tower was attached to a one-story fog signal building. It became a twin of Point Robinson Lighthouse. A fourth-order Fresnel lens sat atop the tower. It shone brightly for at least 12 miles. Two residences were built for the lighthouse keepers.
Harry D. Mahler became the first head keeper in June 1913. The light flashed five white flashes every ten seconds. The fog signal blasted for three seconds every thirty seconds. These signals warned ships of the point’s dangers.
Over the years Alki Point Lighthouse saw many changes. In 1919 electric service arrived. The light switched from oil vapor to an electric lamp. In 1962 the original Fresnel lens was replaced. A modern VRB-25 aerobeacon was installed. The Coast Guard automated the station in 1984.
Today the Alki Point Lighthouse still stands. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers tours. The lighthouse is a reminder of Seattle’s maritime past. The original fourth-order Fresnel lens is now at Admiralty Head Lighthouse. The Alki Point Light Station listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a beacon of history.
One fun fact involves the original post lantern. It was stolen in 1970. Years later it was recovered from an antique dealer. The thief’s fingerprints were still on the lantern. He got a few years in jail and the Coast Guard got the lantern back. It is now on display at the Coast Guard Museum. This quirky story adds to the lighthouse’s charm.
The Alki Point Lighthouse continues to guide ships. It stands as a symbol of resilience. It also represents the dedication of those who served there. Take a moment to appreciate this beacon. It connects us to Seattle’s rich maritime heritage. Its light will shine for many years to come.