South Point Lighthouse, Cast iron lighthouse in Atlantic Shores, Christ Church, Barbados
South Point Lighthouse is an 89-foot (27 m) cast-iron tower assembled in 1852 at the southernmost point of Barbados, on the Atlantic coast. Its cylindrical sections were shipped from London after being shown at the Great Exhibition of 1851. The tower's exterior is painted in alternating horizontal bands of white and red.
The lighthouse was exhibited at London's Great Exhibition in 1851 before being transported to Barbados in sections. It was assembled on site in 1852, demonstrating the innovative modular construction method of that era.
The lighthouse appears on the back of Barbados' five-cent coin, symbolizing the nation's maritime heritage since 1973. This placement shows how much the structure means to local identity.
The lighthouse grounds are open to visitors, though the tower structure itself remains closed to the public for safety and preservation reasons. The site is best visited in clear weather to fully appreciate the coastal surroundings.
The tower was made in Britain and shown at London's Great Exhibition in 1851, then shipped to Barbados and re-erected at the island's southernmost point in 1852. It is 89 feet (27 m) tall and still counts as active, though it now serves mainly as a national landmark.
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