California Lighthouse
California Lighthouse has a focal height of 55 metres, a tower height of 30 metres and a range of 19 nautical miles. It was built in 1916.
- Focal height
- 55 metres
- Tower height
- 30 metres
- Range
- 19 nautical miles
- Built
- 1916
- First lit
- 1918
- Automated
- 1970
- Coordinates
- 12.61376, -70.05142
The California Lighthouse is located on the northwestern tip of Aruba, near Arashi Beach and Sasariwichi dunes. It was built in 1916 and stands tall on a limestone plateau at Hudishibana. The lighthouse is approximately 30 meters tall and has a focal height of 55 meters, making it the tallest structure in Aruba.
The lighthouse was constructed to prevent similar tragedies like the sinking of the British steamship S.S. California in 1891. It was specifically designed to guide ships safely to the coast of Aruba. The lighthouse was automated in 1970 and has undergone restoration, including a major restoration in 2016 to coincide with its 100th anniversary. The lighthouse is managed by the Monuments Fund Aruba and is a significant landmark in the region.
The California Lighthouse has an interesting history, and its name is derived from the British steamship that sank off the coast of Aruba in 1891. The lighthouse has been an important aid to navigation for many years, and its construction has helped to prevent similar maritime tragedies. The surrounding terrain of the lighthouse is rugged and resembles that of the moon, with jagged rocks protruding from the ground, making it a challenging area to navigate without proper footwear.
Light and tower
It has a tapered cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern tower. The tower is built of rubble stone, lime, and cement{{Sfn|Klooster|Bakker|2013|p=21}}. The light has a focal height of 55 metres. The light has a range of 19 nautical miles. It was first lit in 1918. It was automated in 1970. It is managed by Monuments Fund Aruba. The NGA list of lights numbers it 15850. The Admiralty list of lights numbers it J6330.
Videos
Details
- Name
- California Lighthouse<br>(Faro)
- Range Nm
- 19
- Lens Type
- none
- Foundation
- octagonal prism stone basement
- Nga Number
- 15850
- Year Built
- 1916
- Tower Shape
- tapered cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern
- Light Source
- [[Kerosene lamp|Kerosene]] (1918){{Sfn|Klooster|Bakker|2013|p=21}}<br>[[Carbide lamp|Acetylene gas]] (1965)<br>[[electricity]] (1970){{Sfn|Klooster|Bakker|2013|p=21}}
- Image Caption
- 1. Front view of California lighthouse<br>2. Close up view of the top
- Location Text
- Northwestern tip of [[Aruba]] near [[Arashi Beach]]
- Focal Height M
- 55
- Managing Agent
- Monuments Fund Aruba
- Tower Height M
- 30
- Year Automated
- 1970
- Year First Lit
- 1918
- Admiralty Number
- J6330
- Construction Material
- rubble stone, lime, and cement{{Sfn|Klooster|Bakker|2013|p=21}}