Barcelona Lighthouse - Westfield, NY
Posted by: 
Rayman
N 42° 20.465 W 079° 35.675
17T E 615770 N 4688603
The Barcelona Lighthouse was the first gas powered lighthouse in the country.
Waymark Code: WM44J8
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 07/06/2008
Views: 62
The Barcelona Lighthouse is believed to be the oldest existing structure of its kind on the Great Lakes, and the first public building to be lighted by natural gas.
In 1828, a year after the U.S. Government designated Portland (now Barcelona) as a port of entry, Congress appropriated $5,000 for building a lighthouse. The site was purchased for $50, and a contract signed with Judge Thomas B. Campbell, who erected a lighthouse and dwelling at a cost of $3,456.70. According to the original contract, the lighting equipment consisted of eleven patent lamps with eleven 14" reflectors, two spare lamps, and double tin oil butts for 500 gallons of oil. The lighthouse received its first keeper on May 27, 1829, continued in operation until 1859, and now stands as a local landmark.
In 1829, a major technological innovation occurred with the illumination of the lighthouse by natural gas, tapped at a nearby spring and conveyed in wooden pipes. Two tiers of lamps adapted to the reception, emission, and burning of the gas, provided one complete light which was constant and unwavering. This method of illuminating the Barcelona light proved to be a significant step in the inauguration of the gaslight era.
At the time of this waymarker's visit, the lighthouse and keeper's cottage was up for sale, and was listed at $725,000.
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