Fort William (Lighthouse)

The Fort William Lighthouse is located in Cape Coast, Ghana, on Dawson's Hill in the old town. It was initially constructed in 1820 and has since been reconstructed and renamed. The lighthouse stands approximately 20 meters tall with a focal height of about 35 meters above sea level, providing a navigational range of roughly 10 nautical miles. It is a square stone tower with a white-painted exterior and a red lantern roof, reflecting the functional maritime architecture of the early 19th century.

The lighthouse has a significant history, having been built under the supervision of British Governor Hope-Smith to guide ships safely into Cape Coast harbor and support British colonial maritime operations. It was originally named Smith's Tower but was later renamed Fort William in the 1830s. The lighthouse is recognized as part of the Forts and Castles of Ghana UNESCO World Heritage List site, inscribed in 1979 due to its historical significance in the transatlantic trade and colonial administration.

The Fort William Lighthouse is currently automated and provides a navigational aid to ships with a characteristic of two white flashes every 15 seconds. Despite its historical significance, the lighthouse is not part of the Cape Coast Castle complex, lying approximately 600 meters away from the castle. It remains an important part of Ghana's maritime history and a notable landmark in the region.