Browns Point Light is a historic lighthouse situated on Browns Point at the entrance to Commencement Bay in Puget Sound, Washington, United States. The light station marks the north‑south shipping channel that leads to the Port of Tacoma.
Location
- Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 47°12′N 122°23′W.
- Site: Browns Point, an elevated promontory on the east side of the Tacoma Narrows, roughly 2 mi (3 km) north of downtown Tacoma.
History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Initial establishment of a lighthouse at Browns Point to aid navigation in Puget Sound. |
| 1901–1902 | Construction of the current light tower; the original structure was removed. |
| 1963 | Automation of the light; the keeper’s residence ceased to be staffed. |
| 1978 | Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (reference number 78002793). |
| 1991 | Transfer of the lighthouse and surrounding grounds to the City of Tacoma under a lease agreement with the United States Coast Guard. |
Physical Description
- Structure: A modest wooden, octagonal tower attached to a single‑story keeper’s dwelling.
- Height: Approximately 33 feet (10 m) above ground level; focal plane of the light is 101 feet (31 m) above mean sea level.
- Exterior: Painted white with a black lantern room.
- Lens: Originally equipped with a fifth‑order Fresnel lens; the modern beacon utilizes a 250 mm optic.
Light Characteristics
- Color: White.
- Pattern: Flashing white light, 6-second period (Fl W 6s).
- Range: Approximately 9 nautical miles (17 km).
- Fog Signal: Automated horn sounding one blast every 30 seconds when visibility falls below prescribed limits.
Operational Authority
The light is maintained by the United States Coast Guard as part of the Pacific Northwest navigation system. The surrounding site, including the keeper’s house and adjacent parkland, is managed by the City of Tacoma, which provides public access and interpretive displays.
Preservation and Public Access
- The lighthouse grounds are open to the public year‑round; the tower itself is occasionally opened for tours during special events.
- Restoration efforts have focused on preserving the original wooden architecture and maintaining the historical integrity of the light station.
Significance
Browns Point Light is one of the few remaining wooden lighthouses on the U.S. West Coast and serves as a landmark of maritime heritage for the Puget Sound region. Its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places underscores its architectural and historical importance.
References
- United States Coast Guard Light List, Western Pacific, Volume 1.
- National Register of Historic Places, Nomination Form for Browns Point Light (1978).
- City of Tacoma, “Browns Point Lighthouse Park” official website.
All information presented reflects established historical and navigational records as of the latest available sources.