On Top Again
Rescued and Rebuilt
Time had taken its toll on the Land Lighthouse since the federal government decommissioned the beacon and ordered the lantern room removed and sent to a lighthouse in Ohio in 1899.
In 2003, the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority cleaned and re-pointed the tower and rebuilt the missing lantern room and watch deck. Now the tower is crowned by a new top that matches the original and a light once again glows from its top.
Fresnel Lense
A sculptural assemblage of brass and glass, designed and built in France, that projected the flame of an oil lamp 17 nautical miles out into the lake.
Lens Specifications:
Third Order Fixed Fresnel Lens.
Weight 1,985 pounds.
Height: 62.5"
Oil consumption per hour: 7 ounces.
The Mystery of the Missing Lens
Though there are rumors concerning its whereabouts, no one knows for sure what happened to the original Fresnel lens.
Lighthouse Time Line
2003
Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority completed major restoration of lighthouse.
2000
Archaeological excavation done in 1818 lighthouse location.
1999
Relighting ceremony commemorated 100 years anniversary of beacon removal.
1991
Wood
replica of lantern room created on top of tower.
1978
Land Lighthouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1976
Lighthouse tower cleaned and mortar joints re-pointed.
1934
City of Erie acquired Land Lighthouse and adjacent property.
1899
Lighthouse decommissioned a final time.
1885
Beacon relighted.
1884
Congress repurchased lighthouse and land.
1880
Beacon discontinued, lighthouse and land sold.
1872
Presque Isle Lighthouse constructed on Erie's peninsula.
1867/1866
Current lighthouse and keeper's cottage built for $33,000.
1858
Second lighthouse on site built of Milwaukee Brick. Its foundation failed after only eight years.
1818
Lighthouse completed. First U.S. lighthouse to shine on Great Lakes.
1812
Congress authorized construction of the first lighthouse, a 20-foot wooden tower, built on this site.
Battle of Lake Erie fought.
Seaway Trail Lighthouses
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