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Arecibo Light

1898 establishments in Puerto RicoHistoric American Engineering Record in Puerto RicoLighthouses completed in 1898Lighthouses on the National Register of Historic Places in Puerto RicoMaritime museums in Puerto Rico
National Register of Historic Places in Arecibo, Puerto RicoNeoclassical architecture in Puerto Rico
Arecibo Lighthouse 2008
Arecibo Lighthouse 2008

Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park (Spanish: Faro de Arecibo) is a historic lighthouse located in the city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. It is also known as Los Morrillos Lighthouse and is as a monument to Puerto Rico's complex history under Spanish colonial rule. Perched atop the rugged Punta Morrillos headland since 1898, this iconic lighthouse was the last constructed under Spain's 300-year presence on the island. Despite the collapse of the Spanish Empire following the Spanish-American war that same year, the Arecibo Lighthouse endured as a beacon through subsequent decades of change. The lighthouse was designed in the neoclassical architectural style popular during the 19th century, featuring a stately rectangular building with an attached hexagonal tower. The rectangular keeper's house measures 40 feet 4 inches (12.29 m) wide by 84 feet 2 inches (25.65 m) long. The hexagonal tower is topped by a dome made of bronze that encases the working lantern room. The original lighting apparatus was a Fresnel lens of the third order, able to project a beam of light with a radius of 18 miles to warn approaching ships. In 1931, the lighthouse was modernized and converted to electric power. Today, the lantern houses a 190mm lens that emits a bright white flash repeating every five seconds. After the light was automated in 1964, the unmanned structure fell victim to decay and vandalism without resident keepers. Sadly, the original Fresnel lens, a masterpiece of lighting engineering, met an ignoble end. The lens was damaged in 1975 and completely destroyed in 1977, severing another tangible link to the lighthouse's origins. For years the historic tower stood neglected. Despite this period of decline, the sturdy lighthouse endured as a testament to its sound construction. After years of neglect, the iconic Arecibo Lighthouse underwent a meticulous restoration in 2001 by a private company dedicated to preserving the historic landmark. It is now operated as the Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park, featuring interactive exhibits that bring Puerto Rico's rich history to life. Visitors can explore a replica Taíno Indian village, models of Columbus' legendary ships, slavery quarters, a pirate ship replica and cave, mini zoo, saltwater aquariums, playground, and water park. The lighthouse itself houses a museum with maritime artifacts, exhibits on the lighthouse's engineering and history, and the Spanish-American War. The painstaking restoration of this engineering marvel allows new generations to appreciate its history and purpose. In addition to guiding ships as originally intended, the Arecibo Lighthouse now helps visitors navigate the captivating narrative of Puerto Rico through engaging exhibits and displays. It once again stands as a respected coastal landmark, treasured both for its past service and the enriching experiences it offers today. While the lighthouse itself remains little changed from its original construction, the history it represents is one of conflict and conquest. Its presence is a reminder of Puerto Rico's status as one of the last remnants of Spain's once vast empire. Yet it also stands as a symbol of the island's resilience through the rise and fall of colonial powers. The Arecibo Lighthouse continues to watch faithfully over the waters it has illuminated for generations. This lighthouse should not be confused with the Cabo Rojo lighthouse, known as Faro de Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo.

Excerpt from the Wikipedia article Arecibo Light (License: CC BY-SA 3.0, Authors, Images).

Arecibo Light
Paseo Peatonal de Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park, Arecibo

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Wikipedia: Arecibo LightContinue reading on Wikipedia

Geographical coordinates (GPS)

Latitude Longitude
N 18.481965555556 ° E -66.698704166667 °
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Address

Faro de Punta Los Morrillos (Faro de Arecibo)

Paseo Peatonal de Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park
00614 Arecibo (Islote)
Puerto Rico, United States
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Phone number

call17878807540

Website
arecibolighthouse.com

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linkWikiData (Q4788720)
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Arecibo Lighthouse 2008
Arecibo Lighthouse 2008
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Gonzalo Marín 61
Gonzalo Marín 61

Gonzalo Marín 61 (also known as the Abreu Residence) is a historic building located in the historic and administrative center of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. It was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places on October 19, 1986. Although an exact date of construction cannot be determined, based on historic photographs of the area, it can be said that the structure already existed on this lot by 1860. The historic building is currently abandoned. The Abreu Residence is a two-story, masonry and wood, commercial and residential building on the south side of Gonzalo Marin Street, in the historic center of Arecibo. The base level is of stuccoed load-bearing masonry and the main, upped floor is of timber and clapboard construction. The composition consists of four bays, spaced evenly and symmetrically at both the ground and upper stories. At the commercial base level, two central rectangular entrance bays are flanked by smaller, square window openings. Each opening is articulated by heavy, planar, masonry surrounds. Bay number two contains original, wooden, double doors with glass transoms, but bay number 3 has been altered to house aluminum and glass commercial doors. A planar pilaster strip frames the east and west extremes of the ground-floor. A continuous base mold and a simple cornice delineate the lower and upper limits of the masonry base-story, respectively.Although there is no documentation as to the original appearance of the house, it can be assumed from the prototype that the facade remains true to the original form and that an original, ceramics tile roof was replaced by metallic sheets during the early twentieth century. Traces of the ceramic tile are visible from the interior, above the timber construction.