Original construction of Light Station Mukilteo, WA, including
the tower, two houses, and pump house began in August 1905. Construction was completed in
March 1906 at a cost of $27,000. Thirty-six steps lead up to the
lantern room. This station is distinguished by its Victorian style wooden
structure, surrounded by the white picket fence.
The original light was no more than a small kerosene lantern which sat 40 feet above the tide. In 1927 the lighthouse was converted to electricity. At this time the current fourth order Fresnel lens was installed in the tower. Its light flashes every five seconds and can be seen 12 miles away. When a bulb burns out, three others are in place to rotate into use. When the light totally fails, such as during a power failure, the system automatically switches to a 12 volt light with battery backup. Although only 12 volt, the light can be seen for approximately 4 miles. This battery backup can operate for about four days on the stored power.
The fog horn at this station is operated by compressed air, and can be heard from six to eight miles away. In the 1970's, the original air horn was replaced with the current horn which blasts on for three seconds, and then is silent for twenty-seven seconds. This horn is automatically activated by a sensor unit which detects fog within a half mile range of the light station. If power is lost to the main horn, there is also a 12 volt backup system for it.
In the early 1930's, this light station was turned over by the Lighthouse Service to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard automated the light in July 1970, and then the on site staff were reduced from a three man unit to a one man non-resident caretaker. In early 1972, the lighthouse and both of the keepers quarters were remodeled. Between Aug 1987 and early 1988, the lighthouse was restored to its original appearance. Custody of the lighthouse was given to the City of Mukilteo in 1991. Then, in 1998, the federal government awarded the entire light station to the City with one exception. The light would be maintained and operated by the Coast Guard. At the time of my visit here, this was still an active light and maintained by the Coast Guard.
The original light was no more than a small kerosene lantern which sat 40 feet above the tide. In 1927 the lighthouse was converted to electricity. At this time the current fourth order Fresnel lens was installed in the tower. Its light flashes every five seconds and can be seen 12 miles away. When a bulb burns out, three others are in place to rotate into use. When the light totally fails, such as during a power failure, the system automatically switches to a 12 volt light with battery backup. Although only 12 volt, the light can be seen for approximately 4 miles. This battery backup can operate for about four days on the stored power.
The fog horn at this station is operated by compressed air, and can be heard from six to eight miles away. In the 1970's, the original air horn was replaced with the current horn which blasts on for three seconds, and then is silent for twenty-seven seconds. This horn is automatically activated by a sensor unit which detects fog within a half mile range of the light station. If power is lost to the main horn, there is also a 12 volt backup system for it.
In the early 1930's, this light station was turned over by the Lighthouse Service to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard automated the light in July 1970, and then the on site staff were reduced from a three man unit to a one man non-resident caretaker. In early 1972, the lighthouse and both of the keepers quarters were remodeled. Between Aug 1987 and early 1988, the lighthouse was restored to its original appearance. Custody of the lighthouse was given to the City of Mukilteo in 1991. Then, in 1998, the federal government awarded the entire light station to the City with one exception. The light would be maintained and operated by the Coast Guard. At the time of my visit here, this was still an active light and maintained by the Coast Guard.
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