Alaska's Lighthouses
Navigating Alaska’s Maritime History
Preserving Lighthouses for Generations to Come
Conserving the history of eleven active lights and five automated skeleton towers that harbor safe passage through Alaska’s vast waterways.
Lighthouses have always been beacons of hope, guiding mariners safely through treacherous waters. Since ancient times, these guardians of the sea have stood watch, warning of impending danger and ensuring safe passage. By illuminating the rocks, shoals, and sudden changes in the seascape, lighthouses have protected countless sailors from hidden hazards, embodying a timeless mission of safety and guidance.
There are currently more than 1,000 active lighthouses in the United States. Most all of these lights have been automated, and many others have been eliminated in the past, when they were no longer considered essential to navigation. Only one is still (wo)manned. Check out below for a list of all lighthouses in the U.S. state of Alaska as identified by the United States Coast Guard.
Eternal Sea Guardians
Lighting History
Alaska is home to some of the most isolated, the northernmost and westernmost lighthouses in the United States.
Alaskan lighthouse history predates the Seward purchase. One lighthouse in Sitka was constructed by Russian countrymen. The Baranof Castle, located on Castle Hill, was discontinued by the Lighthouse Service after 1877.
The United States started building lighthouses in Alaska around 1902. Most of the early lights were rebuilt before 1940 in a distinctive Art Deco style. The only surviving lighthouse from the early construction era is Eldred Rock Lighthouse.
The most recently constructed lighthouses were those that replaced the lights on Unimak Island in 1950.
Restoration Efforts
Preserving Beacons, Guiding Futures
AKLighthouse.org is dedicated to promoting the restoration and preservation of lighthouses across the United States, ensuring these historic beacons continue to guide mariners safely. Through meticulous work and community involvement, we breathe new life into these iconic structures, safeguarding their legacy for generations to come.
Lighthouses
Past Volunteers
The Alaska Lighthouse Association has since been disbanded, but was originally formed in 1997 at one point had over 100 members. Its legacy, AKLighthouse.org, was created to preserve Alaska’s maritime heritage by encouraging the restoration of lighthouses, promoting public access, and educating about the region’s rich history and natural environment.
