The Iconic Point Retreat Lighthouse In Alaska Turns 116 Years Old This Year

Alaska has an incredible amount of coastline, and to protect it we have some beautiful, timeless lighthouses. The Point Retreat Lighthouse outside of Juneau, Alaska in the Inside Passage is one of those stalwart buildings. This year it celebrates 116 years of keeping the coast of Alaska safe!

Point Retreat Lighthouse is located on the tip of Admiralty Island.

It provides navigation for ships passing through the Lynn Canal. This trip through southeastern Alaska is frequently referred to as the Inside Passage.

The lighthouse is situated perfectly for ships passing by Juneau or headed to Sitka.

This lighthouse is frequently seen by those on cruise ships, and it has developed notoriety for its stunning location and beautiful surroundings.

All 1,505 acres of land for the lighthouse was set aside in 1901.

Funding didn't come through from the US government for the lighthouse to be manned and lit for a number of years.

The tower officially opened for operation on September 15th, 1904.

It was the tenth lighthouse in the Alaskan territory to be built and operated by the US.

The very first lighthouse was a six foot tall hexagonal tower, accompanied by a small dwelling located fifty feet away from the lighthouse.

In 1923 the lighthouse was upgraded and a new structure was added, a building that housed the fog signal. Two additional houses were built for employees who ran the equipment.

After many years of active use, the lighthouse was downgraded to an automated system, and eventually leased to the nonprofit the Alaska Lighthouse Association in 1997.

Five years later the Alaska Lighthouse Association was gifted the entire building and land area, who have managed the upkeep. They installed a new light for the lighthouse, fresh paint, and are responsible for the beautiful buildings you see today.

This lighthouse has a long and interesting history with Alaska, and it looks like it will continue to do so.

There are talks of the Alaska Lighthouse Association opening this lighthouse up to people who would like to spend the night. This would be a wonderful opportunity to experience history in one of Alaska's oldest buildings.

Have you ever seen the Point Retreat Lighthouse before? If you did, what did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to get up close and personal with one of Alaska's beautiful lighthouses, you can Stay At This Charming Lighthouse In Alaska For A Once In A Lifetime Adventure.