On August 7, 1789, Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers. In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, in 1989, Congress passed a resolution that designated Aug. 7 as National Lighthouse Day.
This Sunday, in celebration of National Lighthouse Day, climb to the top of the historic Grays Harbor Lighthouse from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is just $5 to learn a whole lot of history and enjoy a spectacular view.
Lens lighting
Come back between 9 and 11 p.m. to enjoy a commemorative lighting of the original 1895 Fresnel lens atop the lighthouse that is now currently fixed in a permanent north-south-facing direction. When lit, its beams shine nearly 20 miles in each direction.
The Fresnel lens went dark in 1989 when the U.S. Coast Guard removed the mercury-filled drum that housed its rotating mechanism.
The original light turning mechanism was cranked by hand each day to rotate the oil-fueled lamp. Later, when electricity was brought to Chehalis Point, a small motor eliminated the daily cranking chore and a 1,000-watt light bulb replaced the need for lamp oil.
Since 1989, a new small, but very powerful light mounted on the west side of the lighthouse railing has served to guide mariners with the same signature alternating red and white flashes.
Free evening climbs
While there is no charge for tours to the top during this special night event, donations to support maintenance and restoration of the Grays Harbor Light Station are always appreciated.
