Plumb Point Lighthouse

Plumb Point Lighthouse is an active 19th century heritage lighthouse, located on the Palisadoes a narrow peninsular that connects Port Royal to the mainland. The light helps guide shipping into Kingston Harbour.

Plumb Point Lighthouse
Plumb Point Lighthouse from the NE.
LocationGreat Plumb Point
Palisadoes Peninsula
St Andrew
Jamaica[1]
Coordinates17.9286656°N 76.778217°W / 17.9286656; -76.778217[2]
Tower
Constructed1853[3]
Foundationconcrete[3]
Constructionlower half stone and upper half cast iron[1]
Height21 metres (69 ft)
Shapetwo stage tapered cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern
Markingswhite tower, red lantern roof
Light
Focal height21 metres (69 ft)[1]
Range25 miles (40 km)
CharacteristicFl WR 9s.[1]

Built in 1853 it is claimed that the light at the lighthouse has gone out only once since then, during the 1907 earthquake.[3] The 70 feet (21 m) stone and cast iron tower with lantern and gallery[1] shows a white light visible for about 40 km (25 mi) over the entrance of the eastern navigable channel[3] and a red light over the south channel which is visible for 20 km (12 mi).[4]

The entire lighthouse is painted white and is in the historic Port Royal Protected Area, which the government hopes to develop as a tourist attraction.[1] It is positioned about 8 km (5.0 mi) east of Port Royal and the entrance to Kingston Harbour near Norman Manley International Airport.[1]

It is maintained by the Port Authority of Jamaica, an agency of the Ministry of Transport and Works.[1]

See also

References
  1. Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Jamaica". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  2. UK Directorate of Overseas Surveys 1:50,000 map of Jamaica (12 sheets), 1958-1973.
  3. Plumb Point Lighthouse Archived 2009-09-08 at the Wayback Machine, Jamaica National Heritage Trust, 2005.
  4. Plumb Point Lighthouse, Frans Eijgenraam, 2000.


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