In my book, The Wickie, I mention the Lighthouse Board several times. The
story relates to some of the responsibilities of that board and their interaction
with the lighthouse keepers. Although my book is historical fiction and takes
place in the 1860s, the Lighthouse Board was a true entity of the U.S.
Government. However, it was not the first entity/agency responsible for construction
and maintenance of lighthouses.
The first agency was named the Lighthouse Establishment. It operated under the direction of the Department of Treasury and functioned from
1791 to 1852.
In 1852, the Lighthouse Board
replaced the aforementioned Establishment. The Board continued to serve under the Treasury until 1910. At that time the Board was
replaced by The Lighthouse Service and
moved under the direction of the Department of Commerce.
The Lighthouse Service was responsible for lighthouses from 1910 to 1939 when it was merged into the U.S. Coast Guard.
The United States Coast Guard has continued to be responsible for
construction and maintenance of all U.S. lighthouses and navigational aids since 1939.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter approaching the Salmon Harbor Dock at Winchester Bay, OR. Located approximately one mile from the Umpqua River Lighthouse.
2 comments:
Hi Al! Happy New Year. I have just gotten a copy of the "Register of Visitors" at Destruction Island Light Station. Begins Dec.24 1895, ending Oct. 3,1968. It is absolutely fascinating! I was married to Jim Northup for 12 years, and his grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, all went out there numerous times. My thought, in acquiring it was to give it to the Quinault Historical Society to put in the museum. I just wish it had the log with it so the history of the light could be read. I learned so much from The Wickie. It makes me wonder about all of the lights and their evolution. Jigger.
Hi Jigger; It's good you were able to get a copy of the Visitor Register at the Destruction Island Light Station and see where relatives had visited the station. I'm sure you were excited to make a connection with them and the light. Thanks for your comment about my book.
May you let your light shine to those around you.
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