Would you ever buy a lighthouse? In the U.S., this is not a hypothetical question anymore. The government is auctioning off historic American lighthouses, aiming to preserve their legacy while transferring their maintenance responsibilities to private owners.
Why are lighthouses significant?
Lighthouses once played a critical role in maritime navigation. These towering structures were strategically built on dangerous coastlines, rocky shores, and reefs where sailing could prove hazardous. Their beacon would warn ships, guiding them away from potential disasters.
Aside from serving as vital landmarks for preventing shipwrecks, lighthouses also provided crucial navigation aids. The unique patterns and colors of their lights allowed sailors to recognize their location along the coast, thus enabling them to sail predefined courses with confidence.
Furthermore, lighthouses often marked the entrances of harbors, signaling sailors they were nearing safety, especially during the night or unfavorable conditions. In fact, some sailors would specifically seek out lighthouses when expecting to approach land or aiming for a harbor.
A navigational role beyond nighttime
Their role extended beyond the night. Unique designs made lighthouses noticeable even during daylight hours, allowing ships far from the shore to recognize them. They served as a reminder of the surrounding hazards, helping sailors avoid dangerous areas.
Some lighthouses also came equipped with radio beacons or foghorns that provided additional guidance in bad weather or foggy conditions. These signals played a massive role in helping ships navigate treacherous waters.
Why are they being sold?
Despite their historical importance and practical uses, the advancement of naval technology has led to the obsolescence of many lighthouses. While some remain functional, others have lost their practical use and now serve mainly as historical markers.
In response, the U.S. General Services Administration has initiated auctions for these lighthouses. The government passed the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act in 2000, leading to over 150 lighthouses being sold or given away to various organizations, including government agencies and nonprofits. Some, however, remained unsold and are now going directly to public auction.
A unique purchase
Among the lighthouses currently for sale are the Lynde Point Lighthouse in Connecticut, Nobska Lighthouse in Massachusetts, Plymouth/Gurnet Lighthouse in Massachusetts, Warwick Neck Light in Rhode Island, Little Mark Island in Maine, and Erie Harbor North Pier Lighthouse in Pennsylvania.
Prices range from as low as US$10,000 to around US$1 million, depending on the structure and its condition. But buyers should be aware — these lighthouses are in “fixer-upper” condition, and the new owners will be responsible for their upkeep.
Living in a lighthouse: A personal experience
Sheila Consaul offers a prime example of what can be done with these structures. She bought the Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse in Ohio at a G.S.A. auction in 2011 for about US$71,000 and turned it into a summer home. Reflecting on her experience, she said: “I think my favorite part is having saved such an icon. It’s got all the things that a beautiful summer house on the water would have, but it’s so sentimental to so many people in those little towns where they are.” (The New York Times)
Preserving history
The opportunity to own a lighthouse is more than just acquiring a unique property; it’s about preserving a piece of American history. Each lighthouse comes with its own story, legacy, and place in the maritime history of the United States. Buyers are encouraged to be ready not just for the physical maintenance of the structures, but also for the responsibility of preserving their historical significance.
Conclusion
In this new era for U.S. lighthouses, each sale represents an opportunity: to own a unique living space, to live amid history, and to contribute to the preservation of America’s rich maritime past. So what do you think? Would you buy a lighthouse?
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