Admiralty Head Light

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Admiralty Head Light
Admiralty Head Light
Location:	Coupeville, Washington
Coordinates WGS-84 (GPS)	48°09′38.75″N, 122°40′52.2″W
Year first lit:	1903
Deactivated:	1922
Foundation:	Surface
Construction:	Brick and Stucco
Tower shape:	Conical, with an attached Spanish-style structure, 2-story residence
Markings/Pattern:	white brick tower with black lantern
Height:	30 ft (120 ft above sea level)
Original lens:	Fourth order Fresnel lens (removed)

The Admiralty Head Light is located in Fort Casey State Park near Coupeville on Whidbey Island, Washington.

Admiralty Head is the east entrance point of Admiralty Inlet and the southeast extremity of a succession of light bare bluffs which extend north of Point Partridge, where they attain their highest elevation.

In 1858 the United States purchased 10 acres (40,000 m²) of land costing $400 for the location of the lighthouse. The original lighthouse was completed during the months just prior to the Civil War and was among the West's earliest navigational aids. It had a fourth order Fresnel lens, and the light could be seen sixteen miles away. This light welcomed Puget Sound marine traffic to Admiralty Inlet. In 1890, with construction of the fort to protect Admiralty Inlet, the light was relocated, relinquishing the building and site to the U.S. Army. The original red wooden lighthouse was demolished to make room for soldiers and guns in Fort Casey.

The replacement lighthouse, constructed of brick and stucco, was built in 1903 but was discontinued in 1927. It was the last brick lighthouse designed by renowned German architect Carl Leick. During its later occupancy by the Army, the lighthouse was used as a training facility for the K-9 dog program.

The lens was removed in 1922, and the 30 foot (9 m) tall lighthouse has since been restored by the Parks Commission. It is used as an interpretive center by a local non-profit group known as the Beachwatchers and is only open during the summer for visitors.