0125. USA - Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (US Coast Guard LH Series-1990)

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina near the community of Buxton.  The Outer Banks are a group of Islands on the North Carolina that separate the Atlantic Ocean from the Coastal sounds and Inlets.  The Lighthouse is considered an operational aid to navigation maintained by the US Coast Guard.  The Light Tower was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard due to the expensive maintenance cost as well as increasing reliance on GPS.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest US Lighthouse and on the tallest brick lighthouses in the World.  It is also the best-known building in North Carolina.  In 2003, the Lighthouse celebrated its 200th anniversary.

USPS commemorated the Cape Hatteras Head Lighthouse (State of North Carolina - US Eastern Coast) by the release of  25c stamp on 26-Apr-1990 in its US Coast Guard Lighthouse Stamp Series-1990.

The 1990 Lighthouse Stamp series is to commemorate the US Coast Guard Bicentennial and US Lighthouse Service and also the series represented one Lighthouse from each of the main coastal regions in the United States.

Built in the year 1803, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND brick
• Tower is mounted on an Octagonal brick base which is unpainted red brick
• Tower is painted with BLACK and WHITE SPIRAL pattern
• Lantern painted BLACK
• Height is 61 metres
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is FLASH every 7.5 seconds

0124. USA - Sandy Hook Lighthouse (US Coast Guard LH Series-1990)

Sandy Hook Lighthouse is located 3 kms inland from the tip of Sandy Hook, New Jersey.  This Lighthouse is the oldest working Lighthouse in USA and also the only Lighthouse tower surviving from the colonial period.

The Lighthouse was designed and built by Isaac Conro.  During its construction, the Lighthouse was only 150 meters from the tip of Sandy Hook.  But, due to growth caused by littoral drift, the Lighthouse is presently 3 kms inland from the tip.

The Lighthouse helps mariners entering the Southern end of the New York Harbor.  The Lighthouse was originally called as New York Lighthouse. 

USPS commemorated the Sandy Hook Head Lighthouse (State of New Jersey - US Eastern Coast) by the release of  25c stamp on 26-Apr-1990 in its US Coast Guard Lighthouse Stamp Series-1990.

The 1990 Lighthouse Stamp series is to commemorate the US Coast Guard Bicentennial and US Lighthouse Service and also the series represented one Lighthouse from each of the main coastal regions in the United States.

Built in the year 1764, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse:

• Tower is OCTAGONAL rubble stone
• Tower is painted WHITE
• Lantern is painted RED
• Height is 26 metres
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is continuous, day and night
  

0123. USA - West Quoddy Head Lighthouse (US Coast Guard LH Series-1990)

West Quoddy Head stands on the Easternmost point of the USA and the closest point to Europe from a point in the fifty US States.  This is one of the best known of all the American Lighthouse(s) as well as a familiar symbol of Maine Coast.  The Lighthouse is located South of Lubec.  The Lighthouse overlooks Quoddy Narrows, a strait between Canada and USA.

USPS commemorated the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse (State of Maine - US Eastern Coast) by the release of  25c stamp on 26-Apr-1990 in its US Coast Guard Lighthouse Stamp Series-1990.

The 1990 Lighthouse Stamp series is to commemorate the US Coast Guard Bicentennial and US Lighthouse Service and also the series represented one Lighthouse from each of the main coastal regions in the United States.

Built in the year 1858, the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND brick
• Tower is painted with narrow RED and WHITE stripes
• This Tower painting pattern is unique in US
• Lantern painted BLACK with RED roof
• Height is 15 metres
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is 2 (two) FLASHES every 15 seconds

0122. USA - American Shoals Lighthouse (US Coast Guard LH Series-1990)

American Shoals Lighthouse located South-East of Key West.  The Lighthouse is close to Looe Key in Florida, USA.  The Lighthouse was completed in 1880 and lit in 15-Jul-1880.  The structure of the Lighthouse was same as that of Fowey Rocks Lighthouse which was completed in 1878.

The Lighthouse was automated in year 1963 with a 4th order lens with Solar-powered light. The Lighthouse was on the outermost reefs and was covered with 1 metre of water. 

USPS commemorated the American Shoals Lighthouse (State of Florida - US Eastern Coast) by the release of  25c stamp on 26-Apr-1990 in its US Coast Guard Lighthouse Stamp Series-1990.

The 1990 Lighthouse Stamp series is to commemorate the US Coast Guard Bicentennial and US Lighthouse Service and also the series represented one Lighthouse from each of the main coastal regions in the United States.

Built in the year 1880, the American Shoals Lighthouse:

• Tower is OCTAGONAL PYRIMIDAL wrought-iron
• Tower has Octagonal 2-storey keeper's house
• Tower is painted REDDISH BROWN with central cylinder WHITE
• Height is 34 mtres
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is 3 (three) FLASHES every 15 seconds
• Flashes separated by 2.5 secs (2 red sectors cover dangerous shoals)

0121. India - Directorate of LH & LS (Cochin District) - Meter Cancellation

 

The Directorate General of Lighthouses & Lightships (Cochin District) stretches from Kasaragod to Manakodam and all the Lighthouses in the Lakshadweep Island.  The region meets the navigational requirements of the Major Port of Cochin and number of minor ports of Karnataka and Kerala.

There are about 26 Lighthouse(s) under the Cochin District of the Directorate. 

This postal stationery depicts the Meter Cancellation of the Directorate General of LH & LS (Cochin District), Kadavanthra PO, Cochin.

0120. Srilanka - Galle Lighthouse

Srilanka Post on the occasion of the First anniversary of the Asian Tsunami released a Miniature Sheet comprising of 4 stamps on 26-Dec-2005.   

These stamps were released in remembrance of the Tsunami devastation which occurred on 26-Dec-2004.  An earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter Scale was felt soon after the Tsunami.  The magnitude of the earthquake, Tsunami and the year were depicted in the stamp(s) as well as in the Miniature Sheet.

The 33.00 (LKR) postage stamp depicts the Tsunami waves sweeping on the Galle Lighthouse built in the Galle Fort by the Dutch.

NOTE : Details about Galle Lighthouse is available in my Post No.0118....

0119. Srilanka - Lighthouse(s) Miniature Sheet

Srilanka Post commemorated the:

1. Little Basses Lighthouse 0.50 cents value

2. Great Basses Lighthouse 0.75 cents value

3. Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse 2.00 (LKR) value

4. Galle Lighthouse 20.00 (LKR) value

by the release of Miniature Sheet on 22-Jan-1996.

NOTE : Details about these Lighthouse(s) are available in my Post Nos.0111 to 0113 and 0118....

0118. Srilanka - Galle Lighthouse

Galle Lighthouse is Srilanka's oldest light station.  Galle Lighthouse is located in the middle of an ancient Galle Fort, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.  The Lighthouse is therefore a part of the World Heritage Site.  Galle is Srilanka's oldest city, located on the South-Western shore of the island.  Galle has a natural harbor with South pointing promontory.  The Lighthouse is strategically located at the end of the promontory, giving it full view of any ships.

In 1505, the Portuguese arrived Galle.  They seized control of the city from the Srilankan kings and began construction of the Galle Fort.  In 1640, the Dutch captured the city and built the Lighthouse at the Galle Fort. But, during a battle, the Lighthouse was burnt down.  The Dutch remained in Srilanka for almost 150 years.  The city was taken by the British in 1796.  Thus, the city was under the European domination for almost four centuries.

The Galle Lighthouse is situated at the edge of the quadrangular Galle Fort and is built 20 feet above the road level on the ramparts.  The Lighthouse was a round-shaped.  The wind direction can be observed with the help of a red arrow at the top of the Lighthouse.  The exterior wall of the Lighthouse was adorned with lines resembling rings and there were about 23 lines carved from top to the bottom.  The Lighthouse has an automated system where the lights go ON and OFF through automatic system.  The present Lighthouse was built by British in 1939. 

Srilanka Post commemorated the Galle Lighthouse by the release of 20.00 (LKR) postage stamp on 22-Jan-1996. 

Re-built in 1939, the Galle Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND cast-iron
• Tower painted WHITE
• Base of the lantern is painted RED
• Height is 27 meters
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is 2 (two) FLASHES every 15 seconds

0117. Srilanka - Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse - Overprint

Srilanka Post commemorated the Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse by the release of 2.50 (LKR) postage stamp with Overprint of 2.00 (LKR) on 3-Dec-1999. 

NOTE : Details about this Lighthouse is available in my Post No.0113....

0116. Srilanka - Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse - Overprint #3

Srilanka Post commemorated the Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse by the release of 2.00 (LKR) postage stamp with Overprint of 2.50 (LKR) on 12-Feb-1997.  

This is the 3rd one of the 4 Overprint(s) of  2.00 (LKR) Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse stamp. 

NOTE : Details about this Lighthouse is available in my Post No.0113....

0115. Srilanka - Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse - Overprint #2

Srilanka Post commemorated the Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse by the release of 2.00 (LKR) postage stamp with Overprint of 2.50 (LKR) on 12-Feb-1997.  

This is the 2nd one of the 4 Overprint(s) of  2.00 (LKR) Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse stamp. 

NOTE : Details about this Lighthouse is available in my Post No.0113....

0114. Srilanka - Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse - Overprint #1

Srilanka Post commemorated the Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse by the release of 2.00 (LKR) postage stamp with Overprint of 2.50 (LKR) on 12-Feb-1997.  

This is the 1st one of the 4 Overprint(s) of  2.00 (LKR) Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse stamp. 

NOTE : Details about this Lighthouse is available in my Post No.0113....

0113. Srilanka - Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse

Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse is located on the Island of Srilanka.  The Lighthouse is located 6km South-East of the town of Matara.  The Lighthouse is surrounded by coconut trees, cooling grass and fresh breeze from Indian Ocean.

The Lighthouse was built during the British colonial period from 1796-1948.  It was designed by James Douglass in 1889 and constructed by William Douglass.  The Lighthouse marks the Southern most extremity of the Srilankan Island and it is the tallest lighthouse in Srilanka.

The name 'Dondra' is a synonym for Devi-Nuwara.  'Devi' meaning Gods and 'Nuwara' meaning City.  Thus, Dondra derived to mean 'City of the Gods'.  The Lighthouse is still active and it is maintained by the Srilankan Ports Authority.  The keeper's bungalow stands next to the tall structure. 

Srilanka Post commemorated the Devinuwara (Dondra) Lighthouse by the release of 2.00 (LKR) postage stamp on 22-Jan-1996 and 2.50 (LKR) postage stamp on 12-Feb-1997. 

Built in 1890, the Devinuwara Lighthouse:

• Tower is OCTAGONAL brick
• Tower has a lantern and gallery
• Tower painted WHITE
• Height is 49 meters
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is a FLASH every 5 seconds

0112. Srilanka - Great Basses Lighthouse

Great Basses Lighthouse is an off-shore Lighthouse in the South of Srilanka.  The Lighthouse is operated and maintained by the Srilanka Navy.  The Lighthouse is located on a reef 13km off the coast of Yala National Park, near Little Basses Reef Lighthouse.

The Great Basses Lighthouse is the most famous off-shore Lighthouse(s) of Asia.

The Lighthouse was designed by Alexander Gordon and James Nicholas Douglass.  In 2004, the Lighthouse withstood to Tsunami with modest damage. 

Srilanka Post commemorated the Great Basses Lighthouse by the release of 0.75 cents postage stamp on 22-Jan-1996. 

Built in 1873, the Great Basses Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND granite
• Tower has a lantern and double gallery
• Tower painted WHITE
• Height is 37 meters
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is a FLASH every 15 seconds
• Lighthouse is accessible only by boat

0111. Srilanka - Little Basses Lighthouse

Little Basses Lighthouse is an off-shore Lighthouse in the South of Srilanka.  The Lighthouse is located on a reef called Kuda Ravana Kotuwa.  The Lighthouse is named as Little Basses when British invaded Ceylon as the Lighthouse is in close proximity to Great Basses Reef Lighthouse.

These two Lighthouse(s), the Great Basses Lighthouse and Little Basses Lighthouse are among the most famous off-shore Lighthouse(s) of Asia.

The Lighthouse was designed by James Nicholas Douglass and built by William Douglass.  In 2004, the Lighthouse withstood to Tsunami with modest damage. 

Srilanka Post commemorated the Little Basses Lighthouse by the release of 0.50 cents postage stamp on 22-Jan-1996. 

Built in 1878, the Little Basses Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND granite
• Tower has a lantern and double gallery
• Tower painted WHITE with a BLACK HORIZONTAL band
• Height is 37 meters
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is 2 (two) quick FLASHES every 10 seconds
• Lighthouse is accessible only by boat

0110. Lithuania - Pervalka Lighthouse (Maxi Card)

Lithuania Post  commemorated  the  Pervalka  Lighthouse  by   the  release  of 1 Litas stamp on 15-Mar-2003. 

My sincere thanks to Rasa Mazeikiene of Lithuania for the Maxi Card.... 

NOTE : Details about this Lighthouse is available in my Post No.0060....

0109. India - Fort Aguada Lighthouse

Fort Aguada Lighthouse is located in Fort Aguada, a 16th century Portuguese fortification, about 10 km West of Panaji, the capital of the Goa State. 

The Fort Aguada built in 1612 comprises a Lower Fort with bastions all around and an Upper Fort.  It skirts the seashore and ascends the summit of the bare rocky, upland called Aguada Point.  The Upper Fort was built as a vantage point to serve the ships.  While the Lower Fort offers a safe berth to Portuguese Ships.  The Upper Fort comprises of Moat, an underground Water Storage Chamber, Lighthouse, Gun powder room and Bastions. 

The word Aguada means 'Watering Place' in Portuguese.  The Water Tank storage capacity is 23,76,000 gallons.  It has 5 division with a support of 16 huge columns and a staircase to descend.  The Lighthouse, at initial stage used to emit light once in 7 minutes. In 1834, updated to emit light creating eclipse every 30 seconds.

In 1841, an Oil lamp was exhibited from a mast erected inside Aguada Fort - built by the Portuguese.  The circular masonry Lighthouse tower was built in 1864 and an Wick Lamp with 6th order optic was placed on it.  In 1906, PV equipment with a 4th order optic replaced the oil lamp.  The equipment were of Portuguese origin.

The Lighthouse was a wonderful old building and was in service till 1970s. 

The Fort Aguada Lighthouse is seen in the backdrop in the postage stamp released by India Post on 19-Dec-2011 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee celebration of Goa (where the lighthouse is located) Liberation Day.

Built in 1864, the Fort Aguada Lighthouse:

• Tower is ROUND stone
• Tower, lantern and gallery are painted WHITE
• Height is 13 meters

0108. Guernsey - Les Casquets Lighthouse (Maxi Card)

Alderney is surrounded by sea and the Lighthouses provide the light for ships to pass safely through a group of rocks known as Les Casquets.  There are a group of rocks about 13 kms West of Alderney.

The active tower is the North-Westernmost of three towers built in 1723-24.  The remaining two towers have been inactive since 1877.  During World War II, the Germans used the light station as an observation post and transmitter site, which attracted commando raids by British forces in 1942-43.  The Lighthouse is accessible only by helicopter.

The Lighthouse started operation on 30-Oct-1724, and there were three towers each lit by Coal Fires called St Peter, St Thomas and the Dungeon.  Three stone towers were built to give the lights a distinctive appearance which would not be confused with Lighthouses in nearby France.

The towers were built by Thomas Le Cocq, owner of the rocks, under the licence from Trinity House and who was paid a Half penny per ton of ship when vessels passed the rocks and in turn he paid Trinity House 50 pounds per year for the right to run the lighthouses.  The Lighthouses were reverted back to Trinity House in 1785.

Guernsey Post commemorated the Les Casquets Lighthouse by the release of 6p (penny) postage stamp on 10-Feb-1976.

Built in 1723, the Les Casquets Lighthouse:

• Tower is CYLINDRICAL stone
• Tower is painted WHITE and RED HORIZONTAL bands
• Lantern painted RED
• Height is 23 meters
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is 5 (five) FLASHES separated by 3.7 seconds every 30 seconds

0107. Guernsey - Quesnard (Alderney) Lighthouse (Maxi Card)

The Quesnard (Alderney) Lighthouse is located in a small island, Alderney about 32 km North-East of Guernsey.  The Alderney island is accessible by air or by ferry.  The Lighthouse guards the Alderney Race, the 16km wide channel between Alderney and Cape de la Hague, the North-West corner of the Cotentin Peninsula.

The Alderney Race has some of the fastest and most dangerous tidal currents in the World.

Guernsey Post commemorated the Quesnard (Alderney) Lighthouse by the release of 11p (penny) postage stamp on 10-Feb-1976.

Built in 1912, the Quesnard (Alderney) Lighthouse:

• Tower is stone
• Tower is painted WHITE with single broad BLACK HORIZONTAL band
• Height is 32 meters
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is 4 (four) FLASHES separated by 2.3 secs, every 15 seconds

0106. Guernsey - Les Hanois Lighthouse (Maxi Card)

The Les Hanois Lighthouse is located on a rocky reef at the South-Western point of the Guernsey Island, marking the Westernmost point of the Channel Islands.  The Lighthouse was the first to be built with granite blocks interlocking both laterally and vertically.  The Lighthouse was designed by James Douglass.  For Wave swept Towers, this became the standard.

Guernsey Post commemorated the Les Hanois Lighthouse by the release of 4p (penny) postage stamp on 10-Feb-1976.

Built in 1862, the Les Hanois Lighthouse:

• Tower is TAPERED granite
• Tower has keeper's quarters, lantern, gallery and a helipad above lantern
• Tower is painted WHITE
• Height is 36 meters
• Colour scheme of LIGHT is WHITE
• Light character is 2 (two) FLASHES separated by 3.2 secs, every 13 seconds
• Lighthouse is accessible only by helicopter