Erie Land Light, Historic lighthouse on Lake Erie bluffs, Erie, United States.
The Erie Land Light is a stone lighthouse that rises from the Lake Erie bluffs and stands 15 meters tall. Inside, a cast iron spiral staircase with 69 steps leads to the upper section of the tower.
The lighthouse was built in 1818 as one of the first on the Great Lakes and witnessed the early growth of shipping on those waters. The current tower resulted from two complete reconstructions in 1851 and 1867 that became necessary due to foundation issues.
This beacon represents Erie's maritime heritage and was part of a network of three lighthouses that guided ships toward Pennsylvania's shore.
The lighthouse sits at the end of Lighthouse Street in Lighthouse Park on an elevated bluff with panoramic views of Lake Erie. The exposed cliff-top location should be considered during windy or wet weather conditions.
The foundation of the current tower incorporates oak timber beneath concrete to prevent it from sinking into a layer of quicksand discovered during construction. This unusual solution reflects the difficulty in establishing stable footing on such unstable ground.
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