Plumb Point Lighthouse Explained

Location:Great Plumb Point
Palisadoes Peninsula
St Andrew
Jamaica
Coordinates:17.9287°N -76.7782°W[1]
Yearbuilt:1853
Foundation:concrete
Construction:lower half stone and upper half cast iron
Shape:two stage tapered cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern
Marking:white tower, red lantern roof
Height:21m (69feet)
Focalheight:21m (69feet)
Range:25miles
Characteristic:Fl WR 9s.[2]

Plumb Point Lighthouse is an active 19th century heritage lighthouse, located on the Palisadoes a narrow peninsular that connects Port Royal to the mainland. The light helps guide shipping into Kingston Harbour.

Built in 1853 it is claimed that the light at the lighthouse has gone out only once since then, during the 1907 earthquake. The 70feet stone and cast iron tower with lantern and gallery[2] shows a white light visible for about 40km (30miles) over the entrance of the eastern navigable channel[3] and a red light over the south channel which is visible for 20km (10miles).[4]

The entire lighthouse is painted white and is in the historic Port Royal Protected Area, which the government hopes to develop as a tourist attraction.[2] It is positioned about 8km (05miles) east of Port Royal and the entrance to Kingston Harbour near Norman Manley International Airport.[2]

It is maintained by the Port Authority of Jamaica, an agency of the Ministry of Transport and Works.[2]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. UK Directorate of Overseas Surveys 1:50,000 map of Jamaica (12 sheets), 1958-1973.
  2. 2008-10-20.
  3. http://www.jnht.com/heritage_site.php?id=98 Plumb Point Lighthouse
  4. http://www.esstexel.nl/jamlight/hb12a.html Plumb Point Lighthouse