Celebrated on 08/07/2026
National Lighthouse Day celebrates the iconic beacons that have guided mariners for centuries. Did you know that the first lighthouse in the United States was built in 1716 on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor? Today, over 600 lighthouses still stand along U.S. coasts, many of which are open to the public for tours.
National Lighthouse Day was established by the United States Congress on August 7, 1989, through a joint resolution signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Lighthouse Act of 1789, which transferred control of lighthouses to the federal government and established the U.S. Lighthouse Service. This act was one of the first public works projects of the new nation, highlighting the importance of maritime navigation and safety.
Over time, lighthouses have evolved from essential navigational aids to cherished historic landmarks. The U.S. Lighthouse Service operated until 1939, when it merged with the U.S. Coast Guard. Today, many lighthouses are automated or decommissioned, but they remain popular tourist attractions and symbols of coastal heritage. National Lighthouse Day is celebrated with open houses, special tours, and educational events at lighthouses across the country. The day also raises awareness about lighthouse preservation efforts, as many are threatened by erosion, neglect, and financial constraints.
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