Lighthouse Services
There were a number of lighthouses in the United States at this time, and they played a very important role in helping people navigate the sea. They were also responsible for assisting mariners to identify their way around in dangerous areas.
The first lighthouse in the United States was constructed in 1716, in Massachusetts, and it was under the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department. In 1910, the United States Lighthouse Service was created and remained in charge of all lighthouses in the country until 1939 when it was merged into the United States Coast Guard.
Initially, these lighthouses were used to help vessels find their way through the sea and avoid danger, but as technology developed, it was found that they could also be used to transmit messages to land. They were a vital part of early communications.
In the 19th century, lighthouses were an essential part of the navigation system, allowing for safe passage through the sea and ensuring that all mariners would arrive safely at their destination. These lighthouses were manned by keepers who kept the lights on, watched for dangerous weather, and notified vessels of their presence.
The era of manned lighthouses was fast coming to an end. The Lighthouse Board had become too small, and was unable to keep up with the demands for more aids to navigation. In 1843, Winslow Lewis was hired to survey all existing lighthouses and recommend a new system for their construction and supervision. He wrote a detailed report that covered every aspect of lighthouse building and inspection. The report made recommendations that included: