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Plumb Point Lighthouse
Jamaica
One of four lighthouses specifically mentioned in the Harbour light and lighthouses act 1900, requiring the Comissioner of the Jamaican Lands (or his successors) to maintain it. Jamaica became independent in 1962. It is believed the only time the light has failed was during an earthquake in 1907.
Plumb Point Lighthouse is an active 19th century heritage lighthouse, located on the Palisadoes a narrow peninsular that connects Port Royal to the mainland. The light helps guide shipping into Kingston Harbour.
Built in 1853 it is claimed that the light at the lighthouse has gone out only once since then, during the 1907 earthquake. The 70 feet (21 m) stone and cast iron tower with lantern and gallery shows a white light visible for about 40 km (25 mi) over the entrance of the eastern navigable channel and a red light over the south channel which is visible for 20 km (12 mi). [verification needed]
The entire lighthouse is painted white and is in the historic Port Royal Protected Area, which the government hopes to develop as a tourist attraction. It is positioned about 8 km (5.0 mi) east of Port Royal and the entrance to Kingston Harbour near Norman Manley International Airport.
It is maintained by the Port Authority of Jamaica, an agency of the Ministry of Transport and Works.
| Manufacture Date | 1884 |
|---|---|
| Lighthouse Construction | 1853 |
| Country | Jamaica |
| Commissioning Body | Port Royal |
| Lens Order | no lower prisms. |
| Lens Type | Fixed |
| Status | publish |
| Light Character | flashes every 7.5 seconds for 1/2 a second; white eastwards, red southwards, possibly alternating. |
| Lighthouse Markings | All white tower, narrow top section and lantern approx 8m, on top of sandstone tapering column approx 12m. |
| Lighthouse Parts | None |
| Management Body Ports Authority | Port of Jamaica |
| Preserver | N/A |
| Coastal Erosion Vulnerability | |
| Condition Observations | Good, repainted in 2017 although already peeling.... |
| Open Status (Site) | Open |
| Open Status (Tower) | Closed |
| Coordinates | 17.9285800415,-76.7782784653 |
| Other | On the Palisadoes, (a long, narrow headland) between Norman Manley International Airport and the entrance to Port Royal, (Kingston). This is within the Port Royal Historic area. Near important surfing area, but not for beginners due to strong currents. The tapering lower half is local sandstone, the top column and lantern are cast iron. ARLHS JAM-005; Admiralty J5294; NGA 13908. |