Punta Higuero Light Explained

Punta Higuero Lightouse
Location:Rincón, Puerto Rico
Coordinates:18.362°N -67.271°W
Yearlit:1892
Automated:1933 [1]
Foundation:Concrete
Construction:Concrete
Shape:Octagonal cylindrical
Marking:Gray
Lens:Sixth order 1892
Module:
Embed:yes
Faro de Punta Higuero
Designated Other1 Name:Puerto Rico Historic Sites and Zones
Designated Other1 Color:
  1. fa7070
Mpsub:Lighthouse System of Puerto Rico TR
Refnum:81000560 [2]

Punta Higuero Lighthouse, also known as Faro de Punta Higuero, is an historic lighthouse located in Rincón, Puerto Rico. The original building was built in 1892 by the Spanish government and was rebuilt in 1922 by the United States Coast Guard.[3]

In 1892 the original light was built as a fixed white, 6th order dioptric station and had a 6adj=midNaNadj=mid light beam. According to the Historic American Engineering Record, "Its Mediterranean appearance came from an elaborate combination of exposed and indented brick work in the facades - around doors and windows - and corners."[4] The "castle" look was further emphasized by reddish stucco imitating stone-work on all facades and the very elaborate exposed brick cornice topped by a parapet built in lace-like brick-work. The lighthouse was severely damaged by the 1918 earthquake that struck the west part of the island.

The new light was placed in commission on January 12, 1922.[5] The building suffered fire damage after the light was automated in 1933 and was later razed. The town of Rincón built El Faro Park around the lighthouse, a popular spot for surfing and whale watching.[6]

See also

Notes and References

  1. March 26, 2009.
  2. Web site: Inventory of Historic Light Stations National Park Service. March 27, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090403063758/http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/light/ptjig.htm. April 3, 2009. live.
  3. Web site: Rincón 1 . Ediciones Digitales. June 28, 2019.
  4. Web site: Faro de Punta Higuero . Murphy . Kevin . August 1984 . Historic American Engineering Record . Library of Congress . Washington, D.C. . 1 . October 20, 2020.
  5. Web site: Rincón 2 . Ediciones Digitales. June 28, 2019.
  6. News: Waves of pleasure in Rincon. Boston Globe. March 26, 2009. Marie C.. Franklin. 2003-10-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20121023005413/http://www.boston.com/travel/getaways/caribbean/articles/2003/10/26/waves_of_pleasure_in_rincon/?page=2Rincon. 2012-10-23. live.