The British Imperial Lighthouse Service built this candy-striped lighthouse to mark the Elbow Reef during the 1860s. Hope Townees at the time resented this and opposed the project, as they saw it as a threat to their wrecking trade. They went as far as to sink a barge being used to transport building materials.
Despite their sabotage efforts, the lighthouse near Hope Town went into operation in 1863. Primitive artifacts and relics of the Wrecker's Days can be seen at Wyannie Malone Historical Museum in Hope Town. The lighthouse stands at 89 feet, with 101 steps, and is one of only two remaining beacons saved from automation (which is vigorously opposed by residents).
Extraordinary efforts are undertaken by the locals to secure the parts for the kerosene-burning apparatus of the light, most of which are no longer manufactured.
An image of this lighthouse is featured on the Bahamian $10 bill. Together with the village's neat rows of gingerbread cottages painted varying pastel shades, it gives this settlement plenty of charm.
Hours of Operation
The light station is open to the public, Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
Planning a visit to the lighthouse? Click on the official website link below where you can apply to visit the station.
The Gift Shoppe is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am-1:00 pm. The station is closed on Sundays.