Cape St. Elias Light
Cape St. Elias Light, Historic lighthouse on Kayak Island in Chugach Census Area, Alaska.
Description
The Cape St. Elias Light is a lighthouse on Kayak Island at the southwestern tip, featuring a 55-foot-tall square concrete tower with art deco details. The structure operates today with a solar-powered optical system that flashes white every ten seconds.
History
Construction was approved in 1913 and the structure began operating in 1916 to guide maritime traffic safely. A radio beacon system was added in 1927, making it one of the most advanced navigation aids in Alaska at that time.
Culture
The lighthouse marks a remote location accessible only by water, making it a meaningful landmark for fishermen and mariners in this region. It represents the maritime heritage of this coastal area and shows how essential such structures were to seafaring communities.
Practical
The lighthouse is accessible only by boat since the island has no nearby shipping or air transit hub. Visitors should prepare for rough weather and tidal effects that may impact travel to the site or exploration of the surrounding area.
Did you know?
An original third-order Fresnel lens operated the light until 1998 and now resides in the Cordova Museum. This optical lens was remarkable technology for its time and shows how mariners navigated before modern electronics became available.
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