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