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{{short description|Former agency of the United States government}}
{{Infobox government agency
{{Infobox government agency
|agency_name = United States Lighthouse Service
| agency_name = United States Lighthouse Service
|logo = Pennant of the United States Lighthouse Service.png
| logo = Pennant of the United States Lighthouse Service.png
|logo_caption = Pennant of the United States Lighthouse Service
| logo_caption = Pennant of the United States Lighthouse Service
|seal = Seal of the United States Lighthouse Service.png
| seal = Seal of the United States Lighthouse Service.png
|seal_width = 175 px
| seal_width = 175 px
|seal_caption = Seal of the United States Lighthouse Service
| seal_caption = Seal of the United States Lighthouse Service
|formed = 1910–1939
| formed = 1910
|preceding1 = [[United States Lighthouse Board]]
| preceding1 = [[United States Lighthouse Board]]
|superseding = [[United States Coast Guard]]
| dissolved = 1939
| superseding = [[United States Coast Guard]]
|jurisdiction = [[Federal government of the United States]]
| jurisdiction = [[Federal government of the United States]]
|headquarters =
| headquarters =
|employees =
| employees =
|budget =
| budget =
|chief1_name = [[George R. Putnam]] (1910–1935)
| chief1_name = George R. Putnam (1910–1935)
|chief1_position = Commissioner of Lighthouses
| chief1_position = Commissioner of Lighthouses
|chief2_name = H. D. King (1935–1939)
| chief2_name = H. D. King (1935–1939)
|chief2_position =
| chief2_position =
| chief3_name =
⚫
|parent_agency = [[United States Department of Commerce|Department of Commerce]]
| chief3_position =
⚫
|child_agency =
|footnotes =
| chief4_name =
| chief4_position =
| chief5_name =
| chief5_position =
| chief6_name =
| chief6_position =
| chief7_name =
| chief7_position =
| chief8_name =
| chief8_position =
| chief9_name =
| chief9_position =
| parent_department =
⚫
| parent_agency = [[United States Department of Commerce|Department of Commerce]]
⚫
| child_agency =
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
[[File:Us light house service.jpg|thumb|right|180px|U.S. Light House Service Stop Watch (ca. 1931) – specially manufactured by the [[Gallet & Co.|Gallet]] Watch Company for USLHS use.]]
[[File:Us light house service.jpg|thumb|right|upright|U.S. Light House Service Stop Watch (ca. 1931) – specially manufactured by the [[Gallet & Co.|Gallet]] Watch Company for USLHS use.]]
The '''United States Lighthouse Service''', also known as the '''Bureau of Lighthouses''', was the agency of the [[U.S. Federal Government|United States Government]] and the [[general lighthouse authority]] for the [[United States]] from the time of its creation in 1910 as the successor of the [[United States Lighthouse Board]] until 1939 when it was merged into the [[United States Coast Guard]]. It was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all [[lighthouse]]s and [[lightvessel]]s in the United States.
The '''United States Lighthouse Service''', also known as the '''Bureau of Lighthouses''', was the agency of the [[U.S. Federal Government|United States Government]] and the [[general lighthouse authority]] for the [[United States]] from the time of its creation in 1910 as the successor of the [[United States Lighthouse Board]] until 1939 when it was merged into the [[United States Coast Guard]]. It was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all [[lighthouse]]s and [[lightvessel]]s in the United States.


==History==
==History==
===1789–1910===
===1789–1910===
In 1789, the United States Lighthouse Establishment (USLHE) was created and operated under the [[United States Department of the Treasury|Department of the Treasury]]. All U.S. lighthouse ownership was transferred to the government which became the [[general lighthouse authority]] (GLA). In 1792, the [[Cape Henry Lighthouse]] was the first lighthouse built by the USLHE. In 1822, French physicist, [[Augustin Fresnel]] designed the [[Fresnel lens]]. In 1841 the Fresnel lens was first used in the United States and installed on the [[Twin Lights Lighthouse|Navesink Lighthouse]]. In 1852, ''The Lighthouse Board'' was created. In 1871, the [[Duxbury Pier Light]] became the first caisson lighthouse built in the United States. In 1877, [[kerosene]] became the primary fuel for lighthouses. Prior to this varies fuels included [[sperm oil]], [[Colza oil]], [[rapeseed oil]], and [[lard]] oil. In 1884, uniforms came into use by all members of the Lighthouse Board. In 1886, the [[Statue of Liberty]] was the first lighthouse to use [[electricity]]. In 1898, all coastal lighthouses were extinguished, for the first time in U.S. history, as a precaution during the [[Spanish–American War]]. In 1904, the [[Lightship Nantucket]] became first U.S. vessel to have radio communication. In 1910, the Bureau of Lighthouses was created and operated as the United States Lighthouse Service (USHLS).<ref>[http://www.foghornpublishing.com/history.cfm Lighthouse timeline history]. Retrieved 2013-05-04</ref>
In 1789, the United States Lighthouse Establishment (USLHE) was created and operated under the [[United States Department of the Treasury|Department of the Treasury]]. All U.S. lighthouse ownership was transferred to the government which became the [[general lighthouse authority]] (GLA). In 1792, the [[Cape Henry Lighthouse]] was the first lighthouse built by the USLHE. In 1822, French physicist, [[Augustin Fresnel]] designed the [[Fresnel lens]]. In 1841 the Fresnel lens was first used in the United States and installed on the [[Twin Lights Lighthouse|Navesink Lighthouse]]. In 1852 the [[United States Lighthouse Board|Lighthouse Board]] was created. In 1871, the [[Duxbury Pier Light]] became the first caisson lighthouse built in the United States. In 1877, [[kerosene]] became the primary fuel for lighthouses, replacing various fuels such as [[sperm oil]], [[Colza oil]], [[rapeseed oil]], and [[lard]] oil. In 1884, uniforms came into use by all members of the Lighthouse Board. In 1886, the [[Statue of Liberty]] was the first lighthouse to use [[electricity]]. In 1898, all coastal lighthouses were extinguished, for the first time in U.S. history, as a precaution during the [[Spanish–American War]]. In 1904, the [[Lightship Nantucket]] became first U.S. vessel to have radio communication. In 1910, the Bureau of Lighthouses was created and operated as the United States Lighthouse Service (USLHS).<ref>[http://www.foghornpublishing.com/history.cfm Lighthouse timeline history]. Retrieved 2013-05-04</ref>


===1910–1917===
===1910–1917===
⚫
In 1910, 11,713 aids to navigation of all types were around the country. Congress abolished the U.S. Light-House Board and created the Bureau of Lighthouses under the [[United States Department of Commerce|Department of Commerce]].<ref name="US government"/>
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2012}}
⚫
In 1910, 11,713 aids to navigation of all types were around the country. Congress abolished the U.S. Light-House Board and created the Bureau of Lighthouses under the [[United States Department of Commerce|Department of Commerce]].


The Board had hired a number of civilians and many of these experienced people took over the roles that the military officers had been playing. Though initially called inspectors, the civilian heads of the districts changed their titles to superintendent. Also at this time, the placement of aids to navigation along rivers had become the responsibility of the Lighthouse Service, and many of these aids were tended on a part-time basis by local citizens called lamp lighters and lamp attendants.
The Board had hired a number of civilians and many of these experienced people took over the roles that the military officers had been playing. Though initially called inspectors, the civilian heads of the districts changed their titles to superintendent. Also at this time, the placement of aids to navigation along rivers had become the responsibility of the Lighthouse Service, and many of these aids were tended on a part-time basis by local citizens called lamp lighters and lamp attendants.<ref name="US government"/>


[[President of the United States|President]] [[William Taft]] selected [[George R. Putnam]] to head the new bureau and he gained the title "Commissioner of Lighthouses." For 25 years, Putnam headed the bureau and during his administration, navigational aids saw a substantial increase. New technology was incorporated into the bureau's work, particularly in the area of electric aids and some automation using electricity. Though the number of aids to navigation increased substantially during Putnam's reign from 11,713 to 24,000, mostly buoys and small lights, arguably two of his most significant achievements were the passage of the Retirement Act for lighthouse personnel in 1918 and the introduction in 1921 of the radiobeacon as an aid to navigation. This new technology permitted a reduction of over 800 employees during Putnam's 25 years as head of the bureau.
[[President of the United States|President]] [[William Taft]] selected George R. Putnam to head the new bureau and he gained the title "Commissioner of Lighthouses." For 25 years, Putnam headed the bureau and during his administration, navigational aids saw a substantial increase. New technology was incorporated into the bureau's work, particularly in the area of electric aids and some automation using electricity. Though the number of aids to navigation increased substantially during Putnam's reign from 11,713 to 24,000, mostly buoys and small lights, arguably two of his most significant achievements were the passage of the Retirement Act for lighthouse personnel in 1918 and the introduction in 1921 of the radiobeacon as an aid to navigation. This new technology permitted a reduction of over 800 employees during Putnam's 25 years as head of the bureau.<ref name="US government"/>


===World War I===
===World War I===
[[File:Diamond Shoal Light Vessel 71.jpg|200px|right|thumb|''Diamond Shoal Lightship No. 71'']]
[[File:Diamond Shoal Light Vessel 71.jpg|thumb|''Diamond Shoal Lightship No. 71'']]
[[File:Greenbrier large tow boat - NARA - 280831.jpg|thumb|right|USLHS Greenbriar in 1938]]
[[File:Greenbrier large tow boat - NARA - 280831-noborder.jpg|thumb|USLHS ''GREENBRIER'' in 1938]]
During [[World War I]] and the period following, several technological advances contributed to the automation of lighthouses, rendering human occupancy unnecessary. A device for automatically replacing burned-out electric lamps in lighthouses was developed and placed in several light stations in 1916. A bell alarm warning keepers of fluctuations in the burning efficiency of oil-vapor lamps was developed in 1917. In the same year, the first experimental radiobeacon was installed in a lighthouse. The only [[lightvessel]] of the service sunk by enemy action was the [[Diamond Shoal Lightship No. 71 (LV-71)|''LV-71'']] on August 6, 1918. After the sinking of the SS ''Merak'' by the {{GS|U-104|1940|6}} near [[Diamond Shoals]], [[North Carolina]] ''LV-71'' rescued the survivors but was sunk as well shortly thereafter. Nobody was hurt in the action because the German commander allowed the Americans to evacuate the ship before firing.<ref>[http://wikimapia.org/1223202/Wreck-of-Diamond-Shoal-Lightship-No-71 Wreck of Diamond Shoal Lightship No. 71]. Wikimapia.org. Retrieved on 2013-08-02.</ref><ref>[http://www.uscg.mil/history/Chronology_Aug.asp ]{{dead link|date=August 2013}}</ref>
During [[World War I]] and the period following, several technological advances contributed to the automation of lighthouses, rendering human occupancy unnecessary. A device for automatically replacing burned-out electric lamps in lighthouses was developed and placed in several light stations in 1916. A bell alarm warning keepers of fluctuations in the burning efficiency of oil-vapor lamps was developed in 1917. In the same year, the first experimental radiobeacon was installed in a lighthouse.<ref name="US government"/> The only [[lightvessel]] of the service sunk by enemy action was the [[Diamond Shoal Lightship No. 71 (LV-71)|''LV-71'']] on August 6, 1918. After the sinking of the SS ''Merak'' by the {{GS|U-104|1940|6}} near [[Diamond Shoals]], [[North Carolina]] ''LV-71'' rescued the survivors but was sunk as well shortly thereafter. Nobody was hurt in the action because the German commander allowed the Americans to evacuate the ship before firing.<ref>[http://wikimapia.org/1223202/Wreck-of-Diamond-Shoal-Lightship-No-71 Wreck of Diamond Shoal Lightship No. 71]. Wikimapia.org. Retrieved on 2013-08-02.</ref>{{sps|date=January 2021}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/Chronology_Aug.asp |title=Daily Chronology: August|website=www.uscg.mil |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519093526/http://www.uscg.mil/history/Chronology_Aug.asp |archive-date=19 May 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


===1919–1939===
===1919–1939===
⚫
The first automatic radiobeacon in the United States began service in 1928. Radiobeacons are still in use today, although most have recently been decommissioned as improved electronic navigational aids have become available. An automatic time clock for operating electric range lights came into use in 1926, and by 1933, a photo electric-controlled alarm device had been developed to check the operation of the unwatched electric light. A lightship staffed by remote control was equipped by the Lighthouse Bureau in 1934. It included a light, fog signal, and radiobeacon, all controlled by radio signals. A battery-powered buoy which gradually replaced the older acetylene buoys, was introduced in 1935. Because of the technological improvements mentioned above, and in particular the radio beacon direction finder, the United States rose from sixth in shipping safety in 1920 to second in 1935, with only the [[Netherlands]] holding a better safety record.<ref name=lighthousedigest />
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2012}}
⚫
The first automatic radiobeacon in the United States began service in 1928. Radiobeacons are still in use today, although most have recently been decommissioned as improved electronic navigational aids have become available. An automatic time clock for operating electric range lights came into use in 1926, and by 1933, a photo electric-controlled alarm device had been developed to check the operation of the unwatched electric light. A lightship staffed by remote control was equipped by the Lighthouse Bureau in 1934. It included a light, fog signal, and radiobeacon, all controlled by radio signals. A battery-powered buoy which gradually replaced the older acetylene buoys, was introduced in 1935. Because of the technological improvements mentioned above, and in particular the radiobeacon direction finder, the United States rose from sixth in shipping safety in 1920 to second in 1935, with only the [[Netherlands]] holding a better safety record.


Improvements in the road and highway systems provided better and more rapid means of transportation during the 1920s and 1930s. As a result of the improved roadways, the Bureau was able to better maintain aids to navigation, benefiting the service economically. The extension of electric lines into remote sections of the country provided a reliable power source for operating aids to navigation. By the 1920s and 1930s, the majority of light stations had electric service, reducing the number of staff necessary to operate the station. As ancillary buildings at many stations, especially shore stations, were rendered useless, the makeup of the light station began to change.
Improvements in the road and highway systems provided better and more rapid means of transportation during the 1920s and 1930s. As a result of the improved roadways, the Bureau was able to better maintain aids to navigation, benefiting the service economically. The extension of electric lines into remote sections of the country provided a reliable power source for operating aids to navigation. By the 1920s and 1930s, the majority of light stations had electric service, reducing the number of staff necessary to operate the station. As ancillary buildings at many stations, especially shore stations, were rendered useless, the makeup of the light station began to change.<ref name="US government"/>

In 1935, Putnam was followed in the Commissioner's position by a career Lighthouse Service employee, H. D. King, a former district superintendent.<ref name="US government">{{US government sources |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050907220330/http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/admin.htm|archive-date=2005-09-07|url=http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/admin.htm|title=Lighthouses: An Administrative History}}</ref>

⚫
On 1 July 1939, the Service merged with the [[United States Coast Guard]], which has since taken over the maintenance and operation of all U.S. lighthouses and lightships.<ref name=lighthousedigest>{{Cite web |title=Important Dates in United States Lighthouse History |url=http://www.lighthousedigest.com/history.cfm |access-date=2020-06-16 |website=www.lighthousedigest.com}}</ref>


In 1935, Putnam was followed in the Commissioner's position by a career Lighthouse Service employee, [[H. D. King]], a former district superintendent. <br/>
⚫
On 1 July 1939, the Service merged with the [[United States Coast Guard]], which has since taken over the maintenance and operation of all U.S. lighthouses and lightships.
==World War II==
==World War II==
On March 15, 1942 the Lighthouse Service/USGG tender "Acacia" was sunk by {{GS|U-161|1941|2}}.
On March 15, 1942 the U.S. Lighthouse Service/U.S. Coast Guard tender [[USCGC Acacia (WAGL-200)|''Acacia'']] was sunk by the German [[submarine]] {{GS|U-161|1941|2}}.


==Flags==
==Flags==
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File:Flag of the United States Superintendent of Lighthouses.png|Flag of the Superintendent of Lighthouses
File:Flag of the United States Superintendent of Lighthouses.png|Flag of the Superintendent of Lighthouses
</gallery>
</gallery>

==Rank insignia==
Rank insignia of officers were as follows in 1918:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Rank insignia !! Lighthouse Tenders!! Lightships
|-
| Four stripes<br />the two outer ones one-half inch<br /> and the two inner ones one-quarter inch wide || Captain || -
|-
| Three stripes,<br /> the two outer ones one-half inch<br /> and the inner one one-quarter inch wide || Chief Engineer|| -
|-
| Four stripes<br /> one-quarter of an inch wide|| Master of Tender|| -
|-
| Three stripes<br /> one-quarter inch wide|| First Officer of Tender<br />Engineer of Tender || Master
|-
| Two stripes<br /> one-quarter inch wide || Second Officer of Tender<br />First Assistant Engineer of Tender || First Mate<br />Engineer
|-
| One stripe<br /> one-quarter inch wide||Third Officer of Tender<br />Second Assistant Engineer of Tender ||Second Mate<br />Assistant Engineer
|-
|Source: ||colspan=2| <ref>Williams, Dion (1918). ''Army and Navy Uniforms and Insignia.'' New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, pp. 183-186.</ref>
|-
|}


==See also==
==See also==

{{Portal|United States Coast Guard}}
*[[Confederate States Lighthouse Bureau]]
*[[Confederate States Lighthouse Bureau]]
*[[United States Coast Guard History and Heritage Sites]]


==References==
==References==
{{more footnotes|date=February 2012}}
{{US government}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


Line 73: Line 112:
{{Further reading cleanup|date=February 2012}}
{{Further reading cleanup|date=February 2012}}
{{refbegin|indent=yes|2}}
{{refbegin|indent=yes|2}}
: Hyde, Charles K., and Ann and John Mahan. ''The Northern Lights: Lighthouses of the Upper Great Lakes.'' Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1995. ISBN 0-8143-2554-8 ISBN 9780814325544.
* Hyde, Charles K., and Ann and John Mahan. ''The Northern Lights: Lighthouses of the Upper Great Lakes.'' Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1995. {{ISBN|0-8143-2554-8}} {{ISBN|9780814325544}}.
: Noble, Dennis, ''Lighthouses & Keepers: U. S. Lighthouse Service and Its Legacy'' (Annapolis: U. S. Naval Institute Press, 1997)
* Noble, Dennis, ''Lighthouses & Keepers: U. S. Lighthouse Service and Its Legacy'' (Annapolis: U. S. Naval Institute Press, 1997)
: Oleszewski, Wes, ''Great Lakes Lighthouses, American and Canadian: A Comprehensive Directory/Guide to Great Lakes Lighthouses'', (Gwinn, Michigan: Avery Color Studios, Inc., 1998) ISBN 0-932212-98-0.
* Oleszewski, Wes, ''Great Lakes Lighthouses, American and Canadian: A Comprehensive Directory/Guide to Great Lakes Lighthouses'', (Gwinn, Michigan: Avery Color Studios, Inc., 1998) {{ISBN|0-932212-98-0}}.
: Penrod, John, ''Lighthouses of Michigan'', (Berrien Center, Michigan: Penrod/Hiawatha, 1998) ISBN 978-0-942618-78-5 ISBN 9781893624238.
* Penrod, John, ''Lighthouses of Michigan'', (Berrien Center, Michigan: Penrod/Hiawatha, 1998) {{ISBN|978-0-942618-78-5}} {{ISBN|9781893624238}}.
: Penrose, Laurie and Bill, A'' Traveler’s Guide to 116 Michigan Lighthouses'' (Petoskey, Michigan: Friede Publications, 1999). ISBN 0-923756-03-5 ISBN 9780923756031
* Penrose, Laurie and Bill, A'' Traveler’s Guide to 116 Michigan Lighthouses'' (Petoskey, Michigan: Friede Publications, 1999). {{ISBN|0-923756-03-5}} {{ISBN|9780923756031}}
: {{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/index.htm |last=Pepper |first=Terry |title=''Seeing the Light: Lighthouses on the western Great Lakes'' |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130074143/http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/index.htm |archivedate=2008-01-30 |df= }}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/index.htm |last=Pepper |first=Terry |title=''Seeing the Light: Lighthouses on the western Great Lakes'' |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130074143/http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/index.htm |archive-date=2008-01-30 }}
: Putnam, George R., ''Lighthouses and Lightships of the United States'', (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1933).
* Putnam, George R., ''Lighthouses and Lightships of the United States'', (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1933).
: United States Coast Guard, ''Aids to Navigation'', (Washington, DC: U. S. Government Printing Office, 1945).
* United States Coast Guard, ''Aids to Navigation'', (Washington, DC: U. S. Government Printing Office, 1945).
: {{cite uscgnavbib}}
* {{cite uscgnavbib}}
: {{cite web|url=http://clarke.cmich.edu/lighthouses/index.htm |author= Wagner, John L. |title=''Beacons Shining in the Night: The Lighthouses of Michigan'' | publisher=Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University}}
* {{cite web|url=http://clarke.cmich.edu/lighthouses/index.htm |author= Wagner, John L. |title=''Beacons Shining in the Night: The Lighthouses of Michigan'' | publisher=Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University}}
: Wagner, John L., ''Michigan Lighthouses: An Aerial Photographic Perspective'', (East Lansing, Michigan: John L. Wagner, 1998) ISBN 1-880311-01-1 ISBN 9781880311011.
* Wagner, John L., ''Michigan Lighthouses: An Aerial Photographic Perspective'', (East Lansing, Michigan: John L. Wagner, 1998) {{ISBN|1-880311-01-1}} {{ISBN|9781880311011}}.
: Weiss, George, ''The Lighthouse Service, Its History, Activities and Organization'' (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press, 1926)
* Weiss, George, ''The Lighthouse Service, Its History, Activities and Organization'' (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press, 1926)
: Wright, Larry and Wright, Patricia, ''Great Lakes Lighthouses Encyclopedia'' Hardback (Erin: Boston Mills Press, 2006) ISBN 1-55046-399-3.
* Wright, Larry and Wright, Patricia, ''Great Lakes Lighthouses Encyclopedia'' Hardback (Erin: Boston Mills Press, 2006) {{ISBN|1-55046-399-3}}.
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


Line 91: Line 130:
* [http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/admin.htm Lighthouses: An Administrative History] from the [[National Park Service]]
* [http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/admin.htm Lighthouses: An Administrative History] from the [[National Park Service]]
* [http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/chronology.htm US Lighthouse Chronology] from terrypepper.com
* [http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/chronology.htm US Lighthouse Chronology] from terrypepper.com
* [http://www.unitedstateslighthouses.com/ United States Lighthouses - National Historic Landmarks]


{{US Coast Guard navbox}}
{{US Coast Guard navbox}}
{{Lighthouses}}
{{Lighthouses in the United States}}
{{authority control}}



[[Category:Lighthouses in the United States]]
[[Category:Lighthouses in the United States]]
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[[Category:1939 disestablishments in the United States]]
[[Category:1939 disestablishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Government agencies disestablished in 1939]]
[[Category:Government agencies disestablished in 1939]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1939]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1910]]

Latest revision as of 21:19, 29 June 2023

United States Lighthouse Service
Seal of the United States Lighthouse Service
Pennant of the United States Lighthouse Service
Agency overview
Formed1910
Preceding agency
Dissolved1939
Superseding agency
JurisdictionFederal government of the United States
Agency executives
  • George R. Putnam (1910–1935), Commissioner of Lighthouses
  • H. D. King (1935–1939)
Parent agencyDepartment of Commerce
U.S. Light House Service Stop Watch (ca. 1931) – specially manufactured by the Gallet Watch Company for USLHS use.

The United States Lighthouse Service, also known as the Bureau of Lighthouses, was the agency of the United States Government and the general lighthouse authority for the United States from the time of its creation in 1910 as the successor of the United States Lighthouse Board until 1939 when it was merged into the United States Coast Guard. It was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all lighthouses and lightvessels in the United States.

History[edit]

1789–1910[edit]

In 1789, the United States Lighthouse Establishment (USLHE) was created and operated under the Department of the Treasury. All U.S. lighthouse ownership was transferred to the government which became the general lighthouse authority (GLA). In 1792, the Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first lighthouse built by the USLHE. In 1822, French physicist, Augustin Fresnel designed the Fresnel lens. In 1841 the Fresnel lens was first used in the United States and installed on the Navesink Lighthouse. In 1852 the Lighthouse Board was created. In 1871, the Duxbury Pier Light became the first caisson lighthouse built in the United States. In 1877, kerosene became the primary fuel for lighthouses, replacing various fuels such as sperm oil, Colza oil, rapeseed oil, and lard oil. In 1884, uniforms came into use by all members of the Lighthouse Board. In 1886, the Statue of Liberty was the first lighthouse to use electricity. In 1898, all coastal lighthouses were extinguished, for the first time in U.S. history, as a precaution during the Spanish–American War. In 1904, the Lightship Nantucket became first U.S. vessel to have radio communication. In 1910, the Bureau of Lighthouses was created and operated as the United States Lighthouse Service (USLHS).[1]

1910–1917[edit]

In 1910, 11,713 aids to navigation of all types were around the country. Congress abolished the U.S. Light-House Board and created the Bureau of Lighthouses under the Department of Commerce.[2]

The Board had hired a number of civilians and many of these experienced people took over the roles that the military officers had been playing. Though initially called inspectors, the civilian heads of the districts changed their titles to superintendent. Also at this time, the placement of aids to navigation along rivers had become the responsibility of the Lighthouse Service, and many of these aids were tended on a part-time basis by local citizens called lamp lighters and lamp attendants.[2]

President William Taft selected George R. Putnam to head the new bureau and he gained the title "Commissioner of Lighthouses." For 25 years, Putnam headed the bureau and during his administration, navigational aids saw a substantial increase. New technology was incorporated into the bureau's work, particularly in the area of electric aids and some automation using electricity. Though the number of aids to navigation increased substantially during Putnam's reign from 11,713 to 24,000, mostly buoys and small lights, arguably two of his most significant achievements were the passage of the Retirement Act for lighthouse personnel in 1918 and the introduction in 1921 of the radiobeacon as an aid to navigation. This new technology permitted a reduction of over 800 employees during Putnam's 25 years as head of the bureau.[2]

World War I[edit]

Diamond Shoal Lightship No. 71
USLHS GREENBRIER in 1938

During World War I and the period following, several technological advances contributed to the automation of lighthouses, rendering human occupancy unnecessary. A device for automatically replacing burned-out electric lamps in lighthouses was developed and placed in several light stations in 1916. A bell alarm warning keepers of fluctuations in the burning efficiency of oil-vapor lamps was developed in 1917. In the same year, the first experimental radiobeacon was installed in a lighthouse.[2] The only lightvessel of the service sunk by enemy action was the LV-71 on August 6, 1918. After the sinking of the SS Merak by the German submarine U-104 near Diamond Shoals, North Carolina LV-71 rescued the survivors but was sunk as well shortly thereafter. Nobody was hurt in the action because the German commander allowed the Americans to evacuate the ship before firing.[3][self-published source?][4]

1919–1939[edit]

The first automatic radiobeacon in the United States began service in 1928. Radiobeacons are still in use today, although most have recently been decommissioned as improved electronic navigational aids have become available. An automatic time clock for operating electric range lights came into use in 1926, and by 1933, a photo electric-controlled alarm device had been developed to check the operation of the unwatched electric light. A lightship staffed by remote control was equipped by the Lighthouse Bureau in 1934. It included a light, fog signal, and radiobeacon, all controlled by radio signals. A battery-powered buoy which gradually replaced the older acetylene buoys, was introduced in 1935. Because of the technological improvements mentioned above, and in particular the radio beacon direction finder, the United States rose from sixth in shipping safety in 1920 to second in 1935, with only the Netherlands holding a better safety record.[5]

Improvements in the road and highway systems provided better and more rapid means of transportation during the 1920s and 1930s. As a result of the improved roadways, the Bureau was able to better maintain aids to navigation, benefiting the service economically. The extension of electric lines into remote sections of the country provided a reliable power source for operating aids to navigation. By the 1920s and 1930s, the majority of light stations had electric service, reducing the number of staff necessary to operate the station. As ancillary buildings at many stations, especially shore stations, were rendered useless, the makeup of the light station began to change.[2]

In 1935, Putnam was followed in the Commissioner's position by a career Lighthouse Service employee, H. D. King, a former district superintendent.[2]

On 1 July 1939, the Service merged with the United States Coast Guard, which has since taken over the maintenance and operation of all U.S. lighthouses and lightships.[5]

World War II[edit]

On March 15, 1942 the U.S. Lighthouse Service/U.S. Coast Guard tender Acacia was sunk by the German submarine U-161.

Flags[edit]

All of the Lighthouse Service's lightships and lighthouse tenders flew the United States Lighthouse Service flag, a triangular flag with a red border featuring a blue lighthouse on a white background. Any Lighthouse Service ship upon which the Superintendent of Lighthouses was embarked also flew the Superintendent of Lighthouses flag, a rectangular flag with a blue border featuring the same blue lighthouse on a white background.[6]

  • Pennant of a United States Lighthouse Service vessel
    Pennant of a United States Lighthouse Service vessel
  • Flag of the Commissioner of Lighthouses
    Flag of the Commissioner of Lighthouses
  • Flag of the Superintendent of Lighthouses
    Flag of the Superintendent of Lighthouses

Rank insignia[edit]

Rank insignia of officers were as follows in 1918:

Rank insignia Lighthouse Tenders Lightships
Four stripes
the two outer ones one-half inch
and the two inner ones one-quarter inch wide		 Captain -
Three stripes,
the two outer ones one-half inch
and the inner one one-quarter inch wide		 Chief Engineer -
Four stripes
one-quarter of an inch wide		 Master of Tender -
Three stripes
one-quarter inch wide		 First Officer of Tender
Engineer of Tender		 Master
Two stripes
one-quarter inch wide		 Second Officer of Tender
First Assistant Engineer of Tender		 First Mate
Engineer
One stripe
one-quarter inch wide		 Third Officer of Tender
Second Assistant Engineer of Tender		 Second Mate
Assistant Engineer
Source: [7]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Lighthouse timeline history. Retrieved 2013-05-04
  2. ^ a b c d e f Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from Lighthouses: An Administrative History. United States Government. Archived from the original on 2005-09-07.
  3. ^ Wreck of Diamond Shoal Lightship No. 71. Wikimapia.org. Retrieved on 2013-08-02.
  4. ^ "Daily Chronology: August". www.uscg.mil. Archived from the original on 19 May 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  5. ^ a b "Important Dates in United States Lighthouse History". www.lighthousedigest.com. Retrieved 2020-06-16.
  6. ^ United States Coast Guard Historian's Office: Flags, Logos, Pennants, Seals & Streamers Of the Coast Guard & Its Predecessor Services
  7. ^ Williams, Dion (1918). Army and Navy Uniforms and Insignia. New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, pp. 183-186.

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

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