Explore the Historic Lighthouses of the Bahamas
The red-and-white striped tower of the Elbow Reef Lighthouse on Elbow Cay, Abaco, is the last hand-operated, kerosene-burning lighthouse in the world. Constructed in 1863, its keeper still climbs 101 steps each evening to light the flame and hand-crank a weight system—much like a grandfather clock—to keep the Fresnel lens turning. The beam projects up to 23 nautical miles, warning vessels away from the shallow coral reef off Hope Town. This article covers the history, restoration, and practical logistics of visiting the Bahamas’ surviving Imperial Lighthouse Service stations, including those nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. Elbow Reef Lighthouse