 1. Front view of California lighthouse 2. Close up view of the top | |
 | |
| Location | Northwestern tip of Aruba near Arashi Beach |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 12°36′50″N 70°03′05″W / 12.613756°N 70.051422°W |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1916 |
| Foundation | octagonal prism stone basement |
| Construction | rubble stone, lime, and cement[2] |
| Automated | 1970 |
| Height | 30 metres (98 ft)[2] |
| Shape | tapered cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern |
| Operator | Monuments Fund Aruba[3] |
| Heritage | cultural heritage monument in Aruba  |
| Light | |
| First lit | 1918[1] |
| Focal height | 55 metres (180 ft) |
| Lens | none |
| Light source | Kerosene (1918)[2] Acetylene gas (1965) electricity (1970)[2] |
| Range | 19 nmi (35 km) |
| Characteristic | Fl(2) WR 10s |
The California Lighthouse, known by locals as Faro stands tall on a limestone plateau at Hudishibana, near Arashi Beach and Sasariwichi dunes on the northwestern tip of Aruba.[2] It holds the distinction of being the tallest structure in Aruba.[4] This lighthouse derives its name from a British steamship, S.S. California, which sank in 1891, predating the lighthouse's construction (c. 1914–1916).[5] The lighthouse was specifically erected to prevent similar tragedies.[6] In May 2016, the lighthouse underwent a restoration, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its completion.
The large sand bay located on the northwest corner of Aruba named "Sesereweetje" (Dutch orthography) or "Sasariwichi" by the Indigenous people as documented in 1773
Restoration of the lighthouse (2016-2017)
- ^ Kock 2016, p. 1.
- ^ a b c d e Klooster & Bakker 2013, p. 21.
- ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Aruba". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
- ^ Bennett, Steve (2022-10-31). "Uncommon Caribbean - California Lighthouse – Fantastically French Icon of Aruba". www.uncommoncaribbean.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
- ^ "California Lighthouse | 1915 – Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba". Retrieved 2023-06-01.
- ^ Studios, Aruba Sunset Beach. "Our Top 5 Wrecks in Aruba". Aruba Sunset Beach Studios. Retrieved 2023-06-01.[permanent dead link]