Jamestown Lighthouse
Lighthouse in Accra, Ghana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jamestown Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in the Jamestown district of Accra, Ghana. Standing approximately 28 meters tall, the lighthouse was constructed in the early 1930s to replace an earlier 1871 structure, and has served as a key navigational aid for vessels entering the port of Accra.[1][2]
Jamestown Lighthouse, Accra | |
 | |
| Location | Jamestown, Accra, Greater Accra Region |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 5.5331°N 0.2122°W |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1932 (replacing 1871 structure) |
| Foundation | Stone |
| Construction | Stone and concrete |
| Automated | Yes (modern) |
| Height | 28 m (approx.) |
| Shape | Cylindrical tower with lantern |
| Markings | Red and white horizontal bands |
| Operator | Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority |
| Light | |
| Focal height | 35 m above sea level |
| Lens | Originally oil lamp; modernized with electric light |
| Range | 10 nautical miles (approx.) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 10s (one white flash every 10 seconds) |
History
The original Jamestown Lighthouse was erected in 1871 as a navigational aid.[3] By the 1930s, increasing maritime traffic necessitated a larger and more modern structure. The current lighthouse was constructed in 1932, maintaining the original site and orientation.[4]
Architecture and design
Jamestown Lighthouse features a cylindrical stone tower attached to a keeper's house. It is painted in distinctive red and white horizontal bands, with a lantern and gallery at the top.[5] The focal height is about 35 meters above sea level, allowing the light to be seen up to 10 nautical miles.[6]
Gallery
Frontal view of Jamestown Lighthouse
View from the top towards the Gulf of Guinea
View of the lighthouse
Interior of the lighthouse
General perspective of the lighthouse in 2017
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