Guánica Light

Guánica Light (Spanish: Faro de Guánica) was a historic lighthouse located in the town of Guánica, Puerto Rico in the Guánica State Forest. It was first lit in 1893 and deactivated in 1950.[3] The light marked the entrance to Guánica Bay and bridge the gap between Los Morrillos Light and Caja de Muertos Light.

Guanica Lighthouse in 2014
Guánica Lighthouse
The lighthouse ca. 1898
Guánica Lighthouse
Puerto Rico
LocationGuánica, Puerto Rico
Coordinates17°57′3″N 66°54′11″W
Year first lit1893
Deactivated1950
Constructionbrick and cement blocks tower
Tower shapeoctagonal tower with balcony and lantern
Original lensSixth-order Fresnel
ARLHS numberPUR 007
Heritageplace listed on the National Register of Historic Places 
Faro de Guanica[lower-alpha 1]
MPSLighthouse System of Puerto Rico TR
NRHP reference No.77001549[3]

On July 25, 1898, lighthouse keeper Robustiano Rivera spotted the convoy of the American forces that initiated the landing offensive of the Puerto Rican Campaign during the Spanish–American War. He immediately gave the alert to the residents of Guánica and marched to Yauco where he broke the news of the invading forces to the city's mayor.[4][5]

By 2009, the lighthouse was practically in ruins, though some parts of its unique architectural elements were still visible.[6] It was listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1981.[3]

A series of earthquakes that occurred in January 2020 in Puerto Rico further damaged the Guánica lighthouse.[7]

See also

Notes
  1. The light's name is presented here without the accent on "Guánica" in conformance with the usage in the light's National Register nomination form[1] and Federal Register announcement of listing.[2]

References
  1. Tarr, J. A. (August 1976), National Register of Historic Places Inventory — Nomination Form: Faro de Guanica (Lighthouse) (PDF), retrieved November 16, 2015.
  2. "Department of the Interior, Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service: National Register of Historic Places; Annual Listing of Historic Properties", 44 FR 7416 (February 6, 1979), at 7581.
  3. "Inventory of Historic Light Stations National Park Service". Retrieved 2009-05-06.
  4. "El desembarco en Guánica". 1898 La Guerra Hispano Americana en Puerto Rico (in Spanish). Retrieved 2009-05-06.
  5. "Guánica Lighthouse Ruins". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  6. "Lighthouses Friends". Retrieved 2009-05-06.
  7. "Sismo deteriora el histórico faro de Guánica". Primera Hora.


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