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Historic Lighthouses Being Given Away or Sold by US Government
The federal government is giving away or selling ten historic lighthouses that have stood along America’s shorelines for decades. The General Services Administration is overseeing the program aimed at preserving the properties, most of which are over a century old. As modern technology, such as GPS, makes lighthouses obsolete for navigation, the Coast Guard has stopped maintaining them as fundamental to their mission. Nevertheless, the public continues to hold lighthouses in high regard as they remain popular tourist attractions and showcase the heroism of solitary lighthouse keepers.
Transferring Ownership of Lighthouses
The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act was passed in 2000, and since then, the GSA has been transferring ownership of lighthouses. So far, about 150 lighthouses have been transferred, with 80 given away and another 70 auctioned, raising more than $10 million. This year, six lighthouses are being offered free of cost to federal, state, or local government agencies, nonprofits, educational organizations, or other entities that are willing to maintain, preserve, and open the lighthouses for public access.
Available Lighthouses
The lighthouses that are available this year for preservation and public access are:
- Plymouth/Gurnet Light in Massachusetts, which is 34 feet tall and dates back to 1842
- Warwick Neck Light in Warwick, Rhode Island, a 51-foot tall lighthouse dating back to 1827
- Lynde Point Lighthouse in Old Saybrook, Connecticut
- Nobska Lighthouse in Falmouth, Massachusetts
- Little Mark Island and Monument in Harpswell, Maine
- Erie Harbor North Pier Lighthouse in Pennsylvania
Some of these lighthouses are already maintained by nonprofits, and those organizations can apply to continue doing so. However, if no new owners are found, the lighthouses will be auctioned competitively.
Previously Sold Lighthouses
Some of the lighthouses previously sold have been converted into private residences for those seeking a unique living experience.
Conclusion
Lighthouses have been important navigation tools for sailors and have saved countless lives over the years. While modern technology has made them obsolete, they continue to be beloved structures for their historical significance and remarkable views. The US government’s effort to preserve them and make them available for public access is a commendable one, and it is heartening to see the interest in preserving these iconic structures for future generations to appreciate.
