Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

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**Cape Disappointment Lighthouse**
Cape Disappointment Light
Location:	Ilwaco, Washington
Coordinates WGS-84 (GPS)	Latitude: 46.2756 Longitude: -124.0518
Foundation:	Surface
Construction:	Brick
Year first lit:	1856
Automated:	1973
Tower shape:	Conical
Height:	53 ft
Original lens:	Fourth Order Fresnel lens

In 1848 a lighthouse was recommended to be located at Cape Disappointment in what was then Oregon Territory. $53,000 was appropriated for a lighthouse in 1852. After the lighthouse was designed, a first-order Fresnel lens was ordered. When the tower was completed, it was found to be too small to house the lens. Rebuilding the tower took an additional two years. The first lighthouse in the Pacific Northwest was finally lit in 1856. In addition to the light, the station was equipped with a 1600-pound bell powered by a striking mechanism. The keeper's residence was about a quarter mile from the tower.

The lighthouse had several shortcomings. The fog bell was sometimes inaudible due to the roar of ocean waves. It was discontinued in 1881 and moved to West Point, and eventually to Warrior Rock. Also, the light was not visible to ships approaching from the north. This problem was corrected by building a lighthouse at North Head, two miles from Cape Disappointment. The first-order lens was moved to North Head and a fourth-order lens installed at Cape Disappointment.

The lighthouse was electrified in 1937. In 1956, the Coast Guard intended to close the station, but retained the light when the Columbia River bar pilots protested. The light was automated in 1973. The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation. An observation deck has been built for the Coast Guard to monitor traffic and bar conditions. The grounds are open to the public via Cape Disappointment State Park.