Heceta Head Lighthouse OR
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Description: Heceta Head Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the Oregon coast, near Florence. It is situated atop Heceta Head, a prominent headland that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views of the coastline and the sea. The lighthouse was first lit on March 30, 1894, and is named after the Spanish explorer Bruno de Heceta, who sailed along the Oregon coast in the 18th century. It was constructed to guide ships safely along the treacherous stretch of coastline known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific," which has seen numerous shipwrecks over the years. The Heceta Head Lighthouse stands at 56 feet tall and is made of bricks and concrete. Its light source originally consisted of a first-order Fresnel lens, which emitted a powerful beam of light visible up to 21 nautical miles offshore. Today, the lighthouse's light is automated, and the historic lens is on display in a nearby interpretive center. The lighthouse is part of Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, which is managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Visitors can take guided tours of the lighthouse, learn about its history and the life of its keepers, and enjoy the rugged beauty of the surrounding coastal landscape. The Heceta Head Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains an iconic symbol of the Oregon coast, drawing tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world.