Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

1856

 

   Located on the Washington side of the Columbia River in Fort Canby State Park.  The  53' tower  with forth order lens stands atop a 130' cliff.  The original first order lens is displayed at the nearby Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
 

 

Forth-order Lens

 

  
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Disappointment Lighthouse
      
 

 

           The oldest lighthouse in Washington, Cape Disappointment lighthouse has been guiding ships since October 15,1856.   Located on a headland on the north side of the Columbia River, its first-order lens shone a fixed white light and its fog bell sounded nine blows every minute.  The fog bell is now displayed in front of the courthouse in St. Helens, OR.  In 1898, the first-order lens was replaced by a forth-order lens which displayed alternating red and white flashes....the old lens moved to North Head Lighthouse... and is now on display at the Interpretive center.

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