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Get excited to celebrate National Lighthouse Day on August 7! This day is dedicated to the history and beauty of lighthouses, which have been around since 280 BC. For centuries, they've served as beacons of hope, warning ships away from dangerous rocks and guiding them safely into port. From their iconic towers that rise above crashing waves to the mesmerizing light beams that dance across oceans at night, lighthouses are a symbol of resilience and strength for all who see them.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>280 B.C.</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Lighthouse Built</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Pharos of Alexandria, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built in Egypt. It was the first lighthouse on record.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1716</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>America's First Lighthouse</div><div class='timeline-text'>Boston Light, the first lighthouse in America, began guiding ships entering and leaving Boston Harbor.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1789</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Lighthouses Under Federal Control</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. federal government took control of all lighthouses and funded their construction and maintenance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1852</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of U.S. Lighthouse Board</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Lighthouse Board was established to improve the quality and effectiveness of lighthouses and their operation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1886</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Statue of Liberty</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Statue of Liberty served as a lighthouse for the New York Harbor until 1902, making it the first U.S. lighthouse to use electricity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Lighthouse Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Lighthouse Day was officially recognized by Congress, paying respect to the importance of lighthouses in maritime navigation.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a lighthouse</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find the nearest lighthouse and take a tour of it. Learn about its history and take in the spectacular views.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a model lighthouse</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create your own miniature version of a lighthouse using materials such as cardboard, paper towel rolls, paint, and glue.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read about lighthouses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit the library or book store and pick up some books about lighthouses or their history. You can also do some research online.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a Lighthouse Party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends together and organize a lighthouse themed party! Decorate with lighthouses, make some lighthouse themed snacks, and play games that involve lighthouses.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a movie about lighthouses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Watch a movie about lighthouses or with scenes that feature lighthouses. Some great ones to check out include The Lighthouse (2019) and The Light Between Oceans (2016).</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Lighthouses are unique</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>It's hard to deny the mesmerizing beauty of lighthouses. Each one is unique and has its own special history, making them truly fascinating structures that can bring joy and inspiration to all who visit them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Lighthouses offer a safe haven</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For centuries, lighthouses have served as beacons of safety for sailors out at sea. By providing a source of guidance and light in treacherous waters, these ancient structures have been instrumental in saving hundreds of lives over the years.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Lighthouses are inspiring</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether you're admiring the architecture or exploring their many stories, there's something truly inspiring about lighthouses. They can make us feel connected to our heritage and help us appreciate the vastness of nature's beauty.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Lighthouses are Major Tourist Attractions</h3><p class='facts-content'>Owing to their unique architecture and histories, lighthouses all over the world serve as key tourist hotspots, attracting millions of visitors annually.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Automated Lighthouses are a Modern Development</h3><p class='facts-content'>Previously manned by keepers known as "wickies," many lighthouses today are completely automated and remotely controlled, a shift that began in the mid-20th century.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Range of Lighthouse Lights Varies Considerably</h3><p class='facts-content'>The range of a lighthouse light can vary from a few miles to over twenty miles, depending mainly on the height of the tower and atmospheric conditions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>World's Tallest Lighthouse is the Jeddah Light in Saudi Arabia</h3><p class='facts-content'>At a whopping 436 feet, the Jeddah Light in Saudi Arabia holds the record for the tallest lighthouse in the world.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Lighthouses are Portrayed in Numerous Works of Fiction</h3><p class='facts-content'>From classics such as "To The Lighthouse" by Virginia Woolf to modern novels, movies and television shows, lighthouses have often been used as potent symbols and settings in storytelling.</p></div></div>
National Lighthouse Day is celebrated on August 7 every year. In 2024, National Lighthouse Day will fall on a Wednesday.
2023
Aug 7
Monday
2024
Aug 7
Wednesday
2025
Aug 7
Thursday
2026
Aug 7
Friday
2027
Aug 7
Saturday
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