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Save
Our Lights!
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American Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 565
Rockland,
Maine 04841
Phone: 207-594-4174
info@lighthousefoundation.org
The American Lighthouse Foundation is a
Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization dedicated to the preservation of America's historic lighthouses.
SEARCH ALF WEB
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National Lighthouse Day
August 7th
It was on this day in 1789, that Congress approved an Act for the
establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers. In
Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the
commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, Congress passed a resolution
which designated August 7, 1989 as National Lighthouse Day.
The text for
the original 1789 act...
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An Act for the
Establishment and support of Lighthouse, Beacons, Buoys, and Public Piers.
Section 1.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That all expenses which shall
accrue from and after the fifteenth day of August one thousand seven hundred
and eighty-nine, in the necessary support, maintenance and repairs of all
lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers erected, placed, or sunk before
the passing of this act, at the entrance of, or within any bay, inlet,
harbor, or port of the United States, for rendering the navigation thereof
easy and safe, shall be defrayed out |
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of the treasury of the United States: Provided
nevertheless, That none of the said expenses shall continue to be so
defrayed by the United States, after the expiration of one year from the
day aforesaid, unless such lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers,
shall in the mean time be ceded to and vested in the United States, by
the state or states respectively in which the same may be, together with
the lands and tenements thereunto belonging, and together with the
jurisdiction of the same.
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Library of Congress
President
George Washington
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Sec. 2.
And be it further enacted, That a lighthouse
shall be erected near the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay, at such place,
when ceded to the United States in manner aforesaid, as the President of the
United States shall direct.
Sec. 3.
And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the Secretary of
the Treasury to provide by contracts, which shall be approved by the
President of the United States, for building a lighthouse near the entrance
of the Chesapeake Bay, and for rebuilding when necessary, and |
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Library of Congress
Secretary of the Treasury Alexander
Hamilton
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keeping in
good repair, the lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers in the
several States, and for furnishing the same with all necessary supplies;
and also to agree for the salaries, wages, or hire of the person or
persons appointed by the President, for the superintendence and care of
the same.
Sec. 4.
And be it further enacted, That all pilots in the bays, inlets,
rivers, harbors and ports of the United States, shall continue to be
regulated in conformity with the existing laws of the States
respectively wherein such |
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pilots may be, or with such laws as the States may respectively hereafter
enact for the purpose, until further legislative provision shall be made by
Congress.
APPROVED, August 7, 1789.
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Origin of National Lighthouse Day...
Senator John H.
Chafee (Rhode Island) sponsored a joint resolution that was introduced to
Congress on April 28, 1988 designating the day of August 7, 1989 as
“National Lighthouse Day.” The summary of the resolution stated, “Designates
August 7, 1989, as National Lighthouse Day and calls for lighthouse grounds,
where feasible, to be open to the public.” The resolution passed the Senate
on July 26, 1988 and the House (sponsored by Representative William J.
Hughes, New Jersey) on October 21, 1988. President Ronald Reagan signed the
Bill into public law (No. 100-622) on November 5, 1988.
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In Recognition of National
Lighthouse Day... by Hon. William J. Hughes
(Extension
of Remarks - July 26, 1989)
[Page: E2691]
---
HON. WILLIAM J. HUGHES
in the House of Representatives
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1989
Mr. HUGHES. Mr.
Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a special occasion which
communities all across America will be celebrating next week. August 7,
1989, marks the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Lighthouse Act and
the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse in the United States.
In honor of those
events, I was proud to sponsor a resolution last year which designated
August 7, 1989, as National Lighthouse Day. The celebration next week will
provide some long overdue recognition for the important role which
lighthouses played in the history of our country, and the values of safety,
heroism, and American ingenuity which they represent. At the same time, I am
hopeful that it will encourage communities and citizens groups around the
country to rededicate themselves to the protection and restoration of these
historic structures.
As America continues
its technological progress into the 21st century, it becomes easy to forget
the wholesomeness and serenity of preindustrial establishments such as
lighthouses. The history they provide gives us the opportunity to step back
in time and learn more about our country. The contributions they made to our
society, from protecting our coasts to guiding our sailors, should continue
to be appreciated and remembered.
I am proud to point
out that there are three restored lighthouses in my congressional district
in southern New Jersey. These three, the Cape May Point lighthouse, the
Finns Point lighthouse, and the Hereford Inlet lighthouse, contribute
greatly to New Jersey's beautiful coastline.
The Cape May Point
lighthouse, which was first lit on October 31, 1859, was reopened to the
public in 1988 after being closed for 50 years. Today, with restoration
virtually complete, its light once again shines bright, giving comfort to
seamen nearly 19 miles into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Hereford Inlet
lighthouse was built in 1874 and is a beautiful example of Victorian
architecture. Under restoration since 1982, it continues to provide North
Wildwood with a valuable monument to Cape May County's maritime history.
Last, the Finns Point
lighthouse, located in Pennsville, is a 113-year-old marvel. It served as an
aid to navigation along the Delaware River from 1877 until 1950, when the
river channel was enlarged and deepened.
Unfortunately, not
every lighthouse is as lucky as these to have been adopted by a local
citizens group or community. Many have fallen into disrepair and desperately
need support. For this reason, I have been pleased to join with other
Members of Congress in sponsoring legislation to establish the National
Bicentennial Lighthouse Fund in order to provide Federal assistance for
local lighthouse restoration efforts.
Mr. Speaker, the
National Lighthouse Day celebration on August 7, 1989, will indeed be a
special event. I hope it further rejuvenates the spirit of these maritime
institutions and the impressive restoration efforts which are now taking
place in the many communities. It is important that future generations have
the opportunity to learn more about and appreciate the unique role which
lighthouses played in helping to build our great Nation. I hope that
everyone will join me in supporting this effort in the months and years
ahead.
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