Morant Point Lighthouse
Morant Point Lighthouse has a focal height of 35 metres, a tower height of 29 metres and a range of 22 nautical miles. It was built in 1841.
- Focal height
- 35 metres
- Tower height
- 29 metres
- Range
- 22 nautical miles
- Built
- 1841
- First lit
- 1841
- Light characteristic
- Fl (3) W 20s.
- Coordinates
- 17.91845, -76.1843
Morant Point Lighthouse is located on the easternmost tip of Jamaica, within Saint Thomas Parish. The lighthouse was erected in 1841 by African men from Kru, who were among the free Africans brought to Jamaica following emancipation. It is the oldest lighthouse on the island and the first cast iron lighthouse built in the Western Hemisphere.
The lighthouse consists of a 29-meter-tall tapered cylindrical tower with a balcony and lantern, painted with red and white horizontal bands. It is constructed from a cast iron tube, with a diameter of 18 feet at the base and 11 feet at the top. A semicircular masonry wall surrounds the seaward side of the base to protect against surf during hurricanes. Designed by Alexander Gordon and built by George Grove, the lighthouse is listed as a historic monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
Today, Morant Point Lighthouse is maintained by the Port Authority of Jamaica and is considered a significant historical landmark, showcasing the island's industrial technology. It operates with a distinctive light characteristic of three white flashes every 20 seconds, making it a notable beacon for mariners in the region. The lighthouse's rich history and architectural design make it a fascinating destination for those interested in maritime history and engineering.
Light and tower
It has a tapered cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern tower. The tower is built of cast iron. Its daymark is tower painted with red and white horizontal bands. The light has a focal height of 35 metres. The light has a range of 22 nautical miles. Its light characteristic is Fl (3) W 20s. It was first lit in 1841.
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Details
- Marking
- tower painted with red and white horizontal bands
- Range Nm
- 22
- Foundation
- concrete
- Year Built
- 1841
- Description
- '''Morant Point Lighthouse''' is on the easternmost tip of Jamaica, and is the oldest lighthouse on the island.
- Tower Shape
- tapered cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern
- Location Text
- [[Morant Point]]<br> [[Saint Thomas Parish, Jamaica|Saint Thomas]]<br> [[Jamaica]]
- Focal Height M
- 35
- Tower Height M
- 29
- Year First Lit
- 1841
- Light Characteristic
- Fl (3) W 20s.
- Construction Material
- cast iron tower