Lighthouses of the Western U.S. Quiz

Answer: Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island Light in California was built in 1854 and the island was named for the Spanish word for pelicans "alcatraces". The lighthouse also has the famous prison for its near neighbor. In 1906 the old tower was badly damaged by the earthquake and the new replacement structure was lit in 1909. After a 1970 fire, only the tower itself is still standing.

Answer: Lahaina

In 1840, King Kamehameha III ordered a lighthouse erected at Lahaina which, at that time, was a major port for whalers and mariners. It started out as a wooden platform on which a signal fire was built. The third light became operational in 1866 and its replacement was not erected until 1939 long after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Answer: Cape Flattery

The Cape Flattery lighthouse was first lit in 1857 and after automation in 1977, is still an active navigational aid. The coastline near the light is particularly rocky and it is said to be haunted by the poor souls who died trying to reach safety on the shore. No one seems to be able to explain the occasion sound of mooing cows since no such animals inhabit this area.

Answer: Anacapa Island

Anacapa Island Lighthouse in California was constructed in 1912, the last to be built on the west coast and it stands guard over Santa Barbara Channel. The island was discovered by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542 but later named by George Vancouver with the Native American word for "ever changing".

Answer: Gray's Harbor

The Gray's Harbor lighthouse was erected in 1898 and automated in the 1960s. Located in Westport, Washington, it is still an active lighthouse.

Answer: Makapu'u Point

Overlooking Waimanalo Bay on windward Oahu, Makapu'u guards a dangerous channel and the site of a number of shipwrecks. It was first lit in 1909 and in 1925 an oil tank exploded there, killing one of the assistant keepers. His pregnant wife died a few weeks later, reportedly of a broken heart.

It was automated with the radio beacon in 1927 and is the focal point of a popular hiking trail.

Answer: Yaquina Head

Yaquina Head was first lit in 1873 and remains active after automation in 1966. It was used as the fictional Moeska Island Lighthouse in the horror film "The Ring". At 28.3 meters (93 ft), it is the tallest lighthouse in the state of Oregon.

Answer: Tree Point

With such a rugged coastline and extreme sea conditions, it seems strange that mainland Alaska would host only one lighthouse, but most in the state were built on islands or off-shore rocks. Tree Point was constructed in the Revillagigedo Channel in 1903, not lit until 1935 and automated in 1969.

Answer: Battery Point

Battery Point Lighthouse is located in Crescent City, California and the site of a very rugged coastline. It was erected in 1856 and automated in 1953. In 1964 the lighthouse was hit by a tsunami caused by a record-breaking 9.2 earthquake and though it survived, it was deactivated in 1965.

In 1982, this lighthouse was re-lit and is currently active. Visitors are encouraged to review tide forecasts as unpredictable tides can submerge the land bridge connecting Battery Point to the mainland.

Answer: Scotch Cap

Constructed on Unimak Island, Alaska in 1903, Scotch Cap was erected due to the number of shipwrecks that had occurred in this area. In 1909, the keepers hosted the crew of 194 from the shipwrecked "Columbia" until a rescue ship could take them off, obviously conditions being very crowded.

In 1942, the 60 man crew of the Russian ship "Turksib" spent several weeks as guests until the stormy weather subsided sufficiently for a rescue ship to reach the lighthouse. Tragically, this stalwart guardian of the dangerous seas was destroyed with its 5 man crew on 1 April 1946 when it was hit by a massive tsunami.

A replacement tower was built in the 1950s with an automated beacon and it is still an essential aid to navigation.