| The Bahamas are made up of several small | | | | was gone. However, in 1999, the light was |
| islands spread out through a wide expanse of | | | | relit and the restoration of this landmark |
| ocean. In the early days of the European | | | | lighthouse became a project of local interest |
| settlements, the lighthouses served an | | | | and importance. The end result of the |
| essential purpose, guiding ships to shore in | | | | restoration efforts is a fascinating |
| the darkness. During night storms when the | | | | guesthouse that also houses a small museum |
| overcast sky was unable to be used as a | | | | devoted to the history of the area. |
| navigation tool, the lighthouse was what | | | | |
| brought the ships in, sometimes meaning the | | | | On the northern part of San Salvador, another |
| difference between life and death for the | | | | island of the Bahamas, there is another of |
| ship and its crew and cargo. Some of these | | | | the rare kerosene lit lighthouses. The light |
| lighthouses still remain and can be visited | | | | at Dixon Hill Lighthouse was first lit in |
| today. | | | | 1887, and it continues to be run by the |
| | | | manual efforts of its keepers. It is 83 steps |
| One of the best known of these lighthouses is | | | | to the top of this lighthouse, and visitors |
| found in Hope Town, on Elbow Cay, which is | | | | are welcomed. |
| part of the Abacos of the Bahamas. This | | | | |
| lighthouse is a remarkable red and white | | | | Yamacraw Point, which is on New Providence |
| structure, and was opened in 1863. It is one | | | | Island of the Bahamas, is home to another |
| of three lighthouses in the world, all of | | | | lighthouse. The location is notable for its |
| which are found in the Bahamas, that still | | | | beautiful view of where the sky meets the |
| operates in the old-fashioned way. The light | | | | sea, and the equally lovely beach that makes |
| is powered by kerosene and run by hand. The | | | | it possible to contemplate that distant |
| lighthouse keeper must adjust the cables and | | | | meeting point in complete comfort and peace. |
| weights that keep the kerosene flowing | | | | |
| properly. Due to the special lens inside, the | | | | Lighthouses once were a vital part of the |
| light from this lighthouse can be seen up to | | | | seafaring life. The lit beacon allows ships |
| 17 miles out into the ocean. Visitors are | | | | to find land in difficult dark weather, as |
| welcome to make the 101-step climb up to the | | | | well as prevented them from running aground |
| top to admire the view. | | | | upon a tiny island in the middle of the |
| | | | night. They remain an important part of |
| Andros, of the Bahamas, is home to the Bird | | | | nautical history, standing as a reminder of |
| Rock Lighthouse, known especially for the | | | | those brave travelers, who navigated the seas |
| ospreys that make their homes there. It began | | | | with simple tools and their knowledge of the |
| its operation in 1876, built by the British. | | | | sky above. Lighthouses throughout the world |
| It was run by hand, withstanding storms, | | | | are being restored with loving attention, but |
| hurricanes and even tidal waves. But, it did | | | | the Bahamas are home to most those that are |
| not withstand progress. In 1978, it became | | | | still run the old-fashioned way. Visiting one |
| automated, ending its near century of | | | | of these fascinating historical landmarks |
| continuous occupation. Soon, even the light | | | | adds a nice touch to any Bahamas vacation. |