Voting Home / Point Robinson Lighthouse
Nominated for: BEST Lighthouse
maritimeheritage.net/attractions/attraction_select.asp?id=11
Enormous cargo vessels traveling north and south through Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma make a sharp turn at Point Robinson, located on the eastern tip of Maury Island, which is connected to Vashon Island. Early mariners labeled the area the “fog net,” because fogs often obscured the point, catching inattentive ship masters. A foghorn was placed at Point Robinson in 1885, and a red lens hung from a 25-foot post was added to the facility in 1887. In 1894, the lens was placed at the top of a 30-foot tower.
Because the original single keeper was kept so busy by the persistent fogs, the US Lighthouse Service added an assistant keeper in 1903, and the service built him and his family a house in 1907. In 1915, the government built the present 38-foot concrete and masonry tower. The facility was fully automated in 1978. Visitors reach the site by taking the ferry from Seattle or Tacoma. The tower is not accessible, but visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and take in views of both cities. One of the keeper's dwellings is available for weekly vacation rental.
