Lighthouses

A lighthouse is a tall tower with a powerful light on top. The light shines out over the ocean to warn ships about dangerous rocks and shallow water. Before GPS and computers, lighthouses were the most important way to keep sailors safe. Many lighthouses are still working today.

How Lighthouses Work

The light at the top of a lighthouse spins around so ships can see it from far away. Each lighthouse has its own pattern of flashes. Sailors could tell which lighthouse they were near by counting the flashes. Some lighthouses also used foghorns to warn ships in thick fog.

Lighthouse Keepers

Long ago, people called lighthouse keepers lived inside the lighthouse. Their job was to keep the light burning every night. They had to carry heavy cans of oil up the stairs to fuel the lamp. Today, most lighthouses run on electricity and do not need a keeper.

Fun Facts

• The oldest lighthouse still standing is the Tower of Hercules in Spain. It was built by the ancient Romans almost 2,000 years ago.
• The tallest lighthouse in the world is in Japan. It stands about 348 feet high, taller than a 30-story building.
• Some lighthouse lights were so bright they could be seen from 20 miles away.

Did You Know?

The Pharos of Alexandria in ancient Egypt was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a giant lighthouse that stood about 330 feet tall!