This lighthouse was converted to electricity in 1927. It was at this time the current fourth-order Fresnel lens was also 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. If the light totally fails, such as during a power failure, the system automatically switches to a 12-volt light with battery backup. That light can be seen for only about 4-miles. This battery backup can operate for approximately four days on the stored power.
The fog horn at this lighthouse is a first-order horn operated by compressed air, and it can be heard from six to eight miles away. The original air horn was replaced in the 1970's with the current horn, which blasts on for three seconds and then is silent for twenty-seven seconds. The 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 a 12-volt backup system.
This lighthouse and station were turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard in the early 1930's. They 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. The lighthouse and both of the keeper's quarters were remodeled in early 1972. Between Aug 1987 and early 1988, the lighthouse was restored to its original appearance.
In 1991, custody of the lighthouse was given to the City of Mukilteo. 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.
This was an active light and still maintained by the Coast Guard at the time of my visit here in 1999.
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