Lighthouse facts: 10 things you may not know | CNN

The lure of lighthouses —

Lighthouse photography is a pastime for many people, as we learned when we asked for lighthouses on CNN iReport. We quickly received well over 150 submissions of photos from around the world. This one from Tony Alex shows Portland Head Light in Maine, and it's something of the classic lighthouse shot. Click through the gallery to see our other top picks.

courtesy tony alex

Lighthouse enthusiast <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1159167">Randy Hemstad</a> visited several lighthouses while on vacation in southern Ireland, including the Fastnet Lighthouse, pictured here. "Fastnet Lighthouse stands out as a great sentinel of the sea and is a testament to the lonely job that light keepers had on this isolated rock for nearly 115 years," he said.

The lure of lighthouses —

Lighthouse enthusiast Randy Hemstad visited several lighthouses while on vacation in southern Ireland, including the Fastnet Lighthouse, pictured here. "Fastnet Lighthouse stands out as a great sentinel of the sea and is a testament to the lonely job that light keepers had on this isolated rock for nearly 115 years," he said.

courtesy randy hemstad

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1159211">Ben Wideman</a> considers Maine's Ram Island Ledge Light the "redheaded stepchild" compared to the more popular Portland Head Light across the water. "So I turned my camera in the opposite direction that other people were pointing theirs. Just the fact it was different than the other, more popular lighthouse made it more memorable."

The lure of lighthouses —

Ben Wideman considers Maine's Ram Island Ledge Light the "redheaded stepchild" compared to the more popular Portland Head Light across the water. "So I turned my camera in the opposite direction that other people were pointing theirs. Just the fact it was different than the other, more popular lighthouse made it more memorable."

courtesy ben wideman

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-798469">Ryan Duckwitz</a>'s beautiful sunset photo of the Lake Anna, Virginia, lighthouse from 2010 was a matter of the right place and right time: "I saw the great lighting and the sun going down so I told my parents to stop to see if I could grab a few quick photos," said the 27-year-old. "I knew that there was a lighthouse where I told my parents to stop, so it turned out to be perfect timing."

The lure of lighthouses —

Ryan Duckwitz's beautiful sunset photo of the Lake Anna, Virginia, lighthouse from 2010 was a matter of the right place and right time: "I saw the great lighting and the sun going down so I told my parents to stop to see if I could grab a few quick photos," said the 27-year-old. "I knew that there was a lighthouse where I told my parents to stop, so it turned out to be perfect timing."

courtesy ryan duckwitz

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1135122">Doug Bardwell</a> of Columbia Station, Ohio, will drive out of his way for a good lighthouse photo any time he is on a coast. This one in Fanad Head, Ireland, was one of his favorites.

The lure of lighthouses —

Doug Bardwell of Columbia Station, Ohio, will drive out of his way for a good lighthouse photo any time he is on a coast. This one in Fanad Head, Ireland, was one of his favorites.

courtesy doug bardwell

This lighthouse is smaller than most, and it captured <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1157099">Mary Umbricht's</a> attention while visiting Portland, Maine. She is proud of the results: "It was the combination of the clouds, blue sky, the sailboat and how they all came together that I liked about this photo."

The lure of lighthouses —

This lighthouse is smaller than most, and it captured Mary Umbricht's attention while visiting Portland, Maine. She is proud of the results: "It was the combination of the clouds, blue sky, the sailboat and how they all came together that I liked about this photo."

courtesy mary umbricht

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1159168">Bob Myers l</a>ives in California, but visits Oregon's inactive Cape Meares Light once a year. "This was the very first lighthouse I had a chance to see up close," he said. "A bit like my first love?"

The lure of lighthouses —

Bob Myers lives in California, but visits Oregon's inactive Cape Meares Light once a year. "This was the very first lighthouse I had a chance to see up close," he said. "A bit like my first love?"

courtesy bob myers

This lighthouse overlooks the scenic shore of Cabo da Roca, Portugal, in a photo taken by <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1157305">Annie Love</a>. "On my first trip to Portugal, my friends and I were geocaching (using a GPS for a scavenger hunt of sorts) in the Lisbon area and decided to find the geocache at the westernmost point of continental Europe. The geocache brought us there, but the stunning views and neat hiking trails around the lighthouse kept us exploring for a bit. I returned to the lighthouse this past June, which is when I snapped the photo."

The lure of lighthouses —

This lighthouse overlooks the scenic shore of Cabo da Roca, Portugal, in a photo taken by Annie Love. "On my first trip to Portugal, my friends and I were geocaching (using a GPS for a scavenger hunt of sorts) in the Lisbon area and decided to find the geocache at the westernmost point of continental Europe. The geocache brought us there, but the stunning views and neat hiking trails around the lighthouse kept us exploring for a bit. I returned to the lighthouse this past June, which is when I snapped the photo."

courtesy annie love

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1158222">Bob Yee</a> found this Lubec, Maine lighthouse to be particularly photogenic. He said it was a "classic lighthouse building and tower on a scenic plot without distracting backgrounds or artifacts. Very easy to shoot well."

The lure of lighthouses —

Bob Yee found this Lubec, Maine lighthouse to be particularly photogenic. He said it was a "classic lighthouse building and tower on a scenic plot without distracting backgrounds or artifacts. Very easy to shoot well."

courtesy bob yee

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1157287">Andy Szeto</a> visited this nearby lighthouse when family came to see him in Sea Grit, New Jersey, in 2009: "It did not look like a lighthouse from the front until we saw the sign and came to the side of it."

The lure of lighthouses —

Andy Szeto visited this nearby lighthouse when family came to see him in Sea Grit, New Jersey, in 2009: "It did not look like a lighthouse from the front until we saw the sign and came to the side of it."

courtesy andy szeto

Nubble Light in York, Maine, is a central part of the community, as <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1157810">Chris Schramm</a> describes it: "I've been all over the island and through the house and light. I've flown over it. I've been around it in an aluminum boat."

The lure of lighthouses —

Nubble Light in York, Maine, is a central part of the community, as Chris Schramm describes it: "I've been all over the island and through the house and light. I've flown over it. I've been around it in an aluminum boat."

courtesy chris schramm

This incredible, frosty look at the lighthouse in Manistee, Michigan, comes courtesy of <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1158269">Michael Stenberg</a>. "This summer has been very foggy so the lighthouse will be there one minute and then nothing but the foghorn," he said. "I have nice photos of our lighthouse from all seasons and we get spectacular sunsets behind it many nights out of the year."

The lure of lighthouses —

This incredible, frosty look at the lighthouse in Manistee, Michigan, comes courtesy of Michael Stenberg. "This summer has been very foggy so the lighthouse will be there one minute and then nothing but the foghorn," he said. "I have nice photos of our lighthouse from all seasons and we get spectacular sunsets behind it many nights out of the year."

courtesy Michael Stenberg

Visitors can sleep in the Buchan Ness Lighthouse, which has two rooms. <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1156918">David Gibbs</a> photographed it in Boddam, Scotland, in 2009.

The lure of lighthouses —

Visitors can sleep in the Buchan Ness Lighthouse, which has two rooms. David Gibbs photographed it in Boddam, Scotland, in 2009.

courtesy david gibbs

The Langoytangen lighthouse in Langesund, Norway, was a favorite of <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1157046">Hans-Dieter Fleger</a>: "'My family and I have often taken the children there to experience the sea. When we lived in Porsgrunn, I took photos of the lighthouse every time, but now - since we live in Atraa - it's rather rare."

The lure of lighthouses —

The Langoytangen lighthouse in Langesund, Norway, was a favorite of Hans-Dieter Fleger: "'My family and I have often taken the children there to experience the sea. When we lived in Porsgrunn, I took photos of the lighthouse every time, but now - since we live in Atraa - it's rather rare."

courtesy Hans-Dieter Fleger

The East Cape Lighthouse is seen at sunrise in this 2010 photo from <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-532301">Brendon Doran</a>. This beautiful lighthouse can be found in North Island, New Zealand.

The lure of lighthouses —

The East Cape Lighthouse is seen at sunrise in this 2010 photo from Brendon Doran. This beautiful lighthouse can be found in North Island, New Zealand.

courtesy brendon doran

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-667490">Glenn Michael Egner </a>caught this beautiful scene while on vacation to Ushuaia in the Argentine Patagonia.

The lure of lighthouses —

Glenn Michael Egner caught this beautiful scene while on vacation to Ushuaia in the Argentine Patagonia.

courtesy glenn michael egner

Of the many lighthouses in Maine, <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1157399">Richard Cartier </a>calls this one in Portland the "most scenic" the state has to offer, making it a perfect subject. "There are no obstructions anywhere within the photographic field of view, it stands looking directly eastward, providing the possibility for a spectacular sight when the sun rises, and the surrounding rocky coast can add a great element of adventure to the photos," he said. He did make a few alterations to the photo afterward, combining three images and "minor adjustments to the vibrancy and contrast."

The lure of lighthouses —

Of the many lighthouses in Maine, Richard Cartier calls this one in Portland the "most scenic" the state has to offer, making it a perfect subject. "There are no obstructions anywhere within the photographic field of view, it stands looking directly eastward, providing the possibility for a spectacular sight when the sun rises, and the surrounding rocky coast can add a great element of adventure to the photos," he said. He did make a few alterations to the photo afterward, combining three images and "minor adjustments to the vibrancy and contrast."

courtesy richard cartier

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1159187">Justin Wolfe</a> called it a treat to be able to view the powerful lens of the Bodie Lighthouse up close in Nags Head, North Carolina.

The lure of lighthouses —

Justin Wolfe called it a treat to be able to view the powerful lens of the Bodie Lighthouse up close in Nags Head, North Carolina.

courtesy justin wolfe

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1157129">Loraine Robson</a> lives in Fire Island, New York, so this is her hometown lighthouse. "I photograph this lighthouse as often as possible during all seasons in varying weather conditions. It never disappoints!"

The lure of lighthouses —

Loraine Robson lives in Fire Island, New York, so this is her hometown lighthouse. "I photograph this lighthouse as often as possible during all seasons in varying weather conditions. It never disappoints!"

courtesy Loraine Robson

Sharps Island Light, located in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, is only accessible by boat. In 1976, large ice floes <a href="http://tilghmanisland.com/lighthouse-tours/" target="_blank" target="_blank">tilted the tower 15 degrees</a>.<strong> Click the double arrows to see more photos.</strong><br />

The lure of lighthouses —

Sharps Island Light, located in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, is only accessible by boat. In 1976, large ice floes tilted the tower 15 degrees. Click the double arrows to see more photos.

Courtesy Michele Eberhardt

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-774281">John McGraw</a> was working in Boston and decided to get a lobster dinner in Maine on a whim. When he arrived, he was pleasantly surprised to come across this gorgeous view with a lighthouse. "I never did make it to that lobster dinner."

The lure of lighthouses —

John McGraw was working in Boston and decided to get a lobster dinner in Maine on a whim. When he arrived, he was pleasantly surprised to come across this gorgeous view with a lighthouse. "I never did make it to that lobster dinner."

Courtesy John McGraw

The lure of lighthouses —

Tom Sterling got something of a ghostly feeling when he visited this lighthouse in Connecticut. "I ride on the New London - Fishers Island ferry, which is a relaxing, 45-minute boat ride, and each trip takes me close to the New London Ledge Lighthouse.".

courtesy tom sterling

It was worth climbing to the top of the Cape May Point Lighthouse in Cape May Point, New Jersey, according to <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1158179">Deb Della Reese</a>. "It's amazing that even with all the technology we possess how important their singular purpose remains!" she said.

The lure of lighthouses —

It was worth climbing to the top of the Cape May Point Lighthouse in Cape May Point, New Jersey, according to Deb Della Reese. "It's amazing that even with all the technology we possess how important their singular purpose remains!" she said.

courtesy deb della rosa

On his first trip to the eastern Canada, <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1157204">Mike Fitton</a> visited lighthouses on Prince Edward Island. Many of the <a href="http://www.tourismpei.com/island-lighthouses" target="_blank" target="_blank">second-generation lighthouses</a> that feature a square base were built after 1873.

The lure of lighthouses —

On his first trip to the eastern Canada, Mike Fitton visited lighthouses on Prince Edward Island. Many of the second-generation lighthouses that feature a square base were built after 1873.

Courtesy Mike Fitton

The lure of lighthouses —

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse in Newfoundland radiated its light from 1843 to 1962, when it was replaced by an electric light on a nearby steel tower. The lighthouse was converted into a museum, preserving maritime artifacts from the late 1800s.

Courtesy Sobhana Venkatesan

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1157394">Jenn Landreth</a> travels up to Lake Michigan once a year for the ice carving festivals and had to get a photo of this lighthouse in St. Joseph, Michigan. She loves the contrast here of the lighthouse in the snow. "It's funny, people tell me how beautiful these lighthouses are in the summer, and I have yet to make it up there when there isn't snow."

The lure of lighthouses —

Jenn Landreth travels up to Lake Michigan once a year for the ice carving festivals and had to get a photo of this lighthouse in St. Joseph, Michigan. She loves the contrast here of the lighthouse in the snow. "It's funny, people tell me how beautiful these lighthouses are in the summer, and I have yet to make it up there when there isn't snow."

courtesy jenn landreth

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1156912">Pat Kessler</a> captured the well-known lighthouse in Tybee Island, Georgia, in 2007. "I hadn't been that close to a lighthouse before, and its long stately shape" made it memorable in his mind, he said.

The lure of lighthouses —

Pat Kessler captured the well-known lighthouse in Tybee Island, Georgia, in 2007. "I hadn't been that close to a lighthouse before, and its long stately shape" made it memorable in his mind, he said.

courtesy pat kessler

In the early 1900s, <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1156756">Prospect Point's lighthouse</a> was one of the only lights to guide mariners through the thick fog and narrow channel into Vancouver's inner harbor.

The lure of lighthouses —

In the early 1900s, Prospect Point's lighthouse was one of the only lights to guide mariners through the thick fog and narrow channel into Vancouver's inner harbor.

Courtesy Marian Cohen

<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1157308">Sampa Guha Majumdar</a> got this shot of two lighthouses in Jangseunpo, South Korea. He pointed out that "in between these two lighthouses is a very important waterway to connect Geoje island and Busan city by ferry."

The lure of lighthouses —

Sampa Guha Majumdar got this shot of two lighthouses in Jangseunpo, South Korea. He pointed out that "in between these two lighthouses is a very important waterway to connect Geoje island and Busan city by ferry."

courtesy Sampa Guha Majumdar

The lure of lighthouses

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In the U.S., August 7 is National Lighthouse Day

There are more lighthouses in the U.S. than any other country

iReporter Deb Della Reese: "It's amazing ... how important their singular purpose remains!"

Share your best lighthouse photos with CNN iReport

CNN —

In honor of National Lighthouse Day, we invited you to share your best lighthouse photos with CNN iReport. As dozens of images started pouring in, we were reminded of a near-universal fact: People love lighthouses. The beacons of light are popular destinations across the world.

Here are 10 other lesser-known lighthouse facts for the travel set:

1. The first lighthouse was Egypt’s Pharos of Alexandria, built in the third century BC. The lighthouse of Alexandria was made from a fire on a platform to signal the port entrance.

2. The United States is home to more lighthouses than any other country.

3. The first keeper in America, George Worthylake, met an untimely death: He drowned, along with his wife and daughter, when returning to the Little Brewster Island lighthouse in 1718.

4. With more than 115 lighthouses along the Great Lakes, Michigan boasts the most lighthouses of any U.S. state.

5. Many enthusiasts yearn to experience the life of a lighthouse keeper. Ohio woman Sheila Consaul paid $71,010 for Lake Erie’s Fairport Harbor West Breakwall Lighthouse in 2011 and has been fixing it up ever since.

6. The world’s oldest existing lighthouse is considered to be Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the entrance of Spain’s La Coruña harbor. The lighthouse, which was erected in the first century, is still operational.

7. The most expensive lighthouse built in America is St. George Reef, near Crescent City, California. It took 10 years to construct and cost $715,000.

8. Lighthouse keeping was one of the first U.S. government jobs available to women, going back to the 19th century.

9. Despite advances in technology, lighthouses are still considered aids to navigation by the U.S. Coast Guard.

10. Towers are given different colors and patterns – diamonds, spirals and stripes, for example – to distinguish them from each other.

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10 things we didn’t know about lighthouses

The lure of lighthouses

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