In an effort to preserve historic lighthouses across the country, the United States government has announced plans to give away and sell these iconic structures, USA Today reports. A total of 10 lighthouse properties are up for grabs this year, as part of an annual event known as “Lighthouse Season.”
According to the US General Services Administration (GSA), 6 of the 10 lighthouses will be offered free of charge to federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, and community development organizations. However, if suitable owners cannot be found for these six lighthouses, they will also be made available for online auction.
The remaining four lighthouses will be put up for public auction, allowing anyone to fulfill their dream of owning a lighthouse.
The main purpose of these transfers is to ensure the preservation of these historic buildings, even as technological advances make them obsolete. With the advent of modern technology such as GPS navigation systems, lighthouses have become less essential to maritime navigation, leading to many of these iconic structures being demolished or neglected.
Lighthouses have historically served as important beacons, guiding sailors and ships along dangerous coastlines, marking underwater hazards such as rocks and reefs, and safe entrances to harbors. Indicate locations. However, as navigation technology developed, lighthouses became less important, leading to their neglect or destruction.
John Kelly of GSA’s Office of Real Property Disposition expressed that people greatly appreciate the important role of lighthouse keepers. These brave men acted as protectors, ensuring safe passage for ships in treacherous harbors that brought prosperity to coastal communities. Additionally, lighthouses are often located at prominent locations, offering breathtaking views.
In the past, some of the lighthouses that were purchased have been converted into unique private residences, for those seeking an extraordinary living experience.
Since the establishment of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act in 2000, GSA has been actively transferring ownership of lighthouses that are no longer critical to the mission of the U.S. Coast Guard. Its purpose is to find groups willing to preserve these historic sites. To date, 150 lighthouses have been relocated, 80 of which have been given away and another 70 auctioned off, raising more than $10 million in funds for their preservation and maintenance.