20 miles into Lake Michigan from Mackinac Bridge, White Shoal Lighthouse is the only red-and-white barber shop tower in the US. As the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes, it has seen its fair share of action in its relatively short history. However, most of the history is in the…
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built in 1874 in the "stick" architectural style, sporting a red light characteristic until changing to a fixed white, then flashing white-red, to the flashing white we have today. While its gardens are considered one of the top 10 things to see in New Jersey, the…
Now that we covered the first lighthouse in the US to display a Fresnel lens, it's time to "shed light" on the first lighthouse in the world to have one! Cordouan Lighthouse is a beautiful renaissance-style tower over four miles out in the Bay of Biscay. The 221 foot tall…
We are covering a mini lighthouse for our mini episode! Deemed the "smallest working light tower in the world", North Queensferry Light still has it's original Argand lamp, lit today by visitors with vegetable oil! Liked this episode? Leave us a review at thelighthouselowdown.com References: Forth Bridges Lighthouse Museum and…
There's a first for everything, and Navesink Lighthouse was there for a lot of them! When it became the first station to have a Fresnel lens in the Unites States, Navesink secured it's position as the guinea pig for a lot of the country's new innovations and technology. Listen in…
Lahaina Lighthouse went through four different towers before settling on what we see today. Many may recognize the name of this lighthouse due to the terrible fire that ripped through it's town last year, and we go through some of the details from the FSRI report that was released this…
That's right, Lady Liberty was an official lighthouse! While only managed by the Lighthouse Board from 1886 to 1902, the colossal statue has an incredible history and is now maintained by the National Park Service. Listen in for the amazing story of how funding was raised, how she failed as…
Special discussion about traveling to see lighthouses in 2024. Listen in on Ep 49 for more!
It's easy for people like us to see lighthouses on our trips, because that's usually what we're there to do! But what if you hadn't considered yet if you want to visit a lighthouse on vacation? What if you have never planned a lighthouse-related trip before? In this episode, Vince…
This is the first lighthouse that we have covered that is a replica of a lost original - Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse was haphazardly dumped into the Croatan Sound after being decommissioned in 1955, but the town of Manteo brought it back to life again in 2004! Like this episode? Leave…
Ever heard of a lighthouse that forms its own beach? Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse is another case of a damaged light replaced with an existing light from another town in Massachusetts, just like Nauset Light! Listen in for how a series of hurricanes made our breakwater light into a beach light!…
Episode notes Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is another light that may be recognizable to the average American - it graces the Maine quarter! Another case of a rubblestone lighthouse falling apart, Pemaquid was rebuilt in 1835 and has withstood the test of time. Today, it suffers from the effects of the…
Throughout American history, the responsibility of lighthouses have fallen on many different shoulders - it can get confusing, even for us! In this episode, Vince breaks down how lighthouses have changed hands over the years and how the USLHS (which we rely on heavily for our research) came to be!…
The way to a lighthouse on the narrowest point between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron was a long one, and ended with two lighthouses instead of one! Listen in for the story of the 1890 castle-esque Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and how a bridge took it out of service. Happy…
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to our followers! Each lighthouse celebrates this season differently, so we're bringing you a festive Christmas tradition from three different lighthouses that we've covered this year. Entered into our giveaway? Check your email to see if you won! References: St. Augustine Lighthouse shows off historical…
Win a custom engraved Stanly Tumbler by signing up to receive updates at TheLighthouseLowdown.com Winner to be drawn on Christmas Day!
GIVEAWAY EPISODE! Curious as to why they would name a cape and subsequent lighthouse this way? The truth will not...disappoint. Listen in for the story of a lighthouse (and land) that caused a lot of trouble for maritime crews and our keepers. Also, find out how to enter our giveaway…
Yes, plural! In this episode we cover a set of very different but equally stunning range lights on the Grand Haven South Pier. Listen in for how a foghorn building became a lighthouse, some incredible uses for reinforced concrete, and for our favorite unique light characteristics in action today (hint:…
St. Augustine Lighthouse is an often-photographed tower that is visually very similar in appearance to Cape Hatteras Light, aside from its bright red lantern room. The designs for this light are virtually identical to Bodie Island and Currituck Lighthouses, though the first form of St. Augustine Lighthouse dates back to…
Show Notes Ready to spook your socks off?! In this episode we cover the history of Marquette Harbor Light, a bright red integral lighthouse that has had its fair share of death, drama, and transformations! In a special twist, the second half of this podcast is an interview with Susan…
Ever wonder what Where's Waldo would look like as a lighthouse? Well, look no further! This adorable light tower is the only candy-striped lighthouse in the US and is also the furthest east point in the country as well. A fan of this episode? Please leave a review on our…
