Lighthouse Description and History

An important milestone that followed the discovery of America was the discovery of the Strait of Magellan and Cape Horn, which allowed access to the Pacific Ocean for ships coming from Europe, marking the beginning of an ever-increasing traffic and the founding of cities on the Pacific coast.

Given its location, the port of Valparaíso became the first and necessary port of call for ships bringing social and economic prosperity up to this date, although it declined with the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914.

The Punta Angeles Lighthouse, considered the first lighthouse in Chile and one of the first in Pacific American coast, was built in 1838, due to the urgent need to provide safety to ships calling at the bay of Valparaiso. Although the original lighthouse has been modified over time, the current cast iron tower has been in service since 1908 and was built by one of the first lighthouse manufacturers in the world.

Reason For Nomination

(Text extracted from nomination form submitted by Chilean Navy. Directorate of Maritime Safety and Security Operations, 2022)

Intrinsic Heritage Interest of the Lighthouse

The bay of Valparaiso, with an area of nearly 7 NM, opens out in a clear and wide semicircular shape, between Punta Concon to the north and Punta Angeles to the south. This last point marks the place where the lighthouse was initially built and adopted its name.

In order to understand the significance that the Punta Angeles Lighthouse holds for Chile, we need to describe in detail the period in which it was founded during the early days of Chile as an independent country (1810). This was shortly after the process during which the country ended its status as a province of the Spanish monarchy to establish an independent republic. This period did not come without armed conflicts between the two countries and bloody civil wars during the early stages of the nation’s organization as a
country.

After the discovery of the Pacific Ocean in 1513, efforts were made to find a way to connect the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean, and it was not until 1520 that this was achieved through the discovery of the Strait of Magellan and later the hazardous Cape Horn. Such discoveries led to an increased traffic of ships from Europe to the Pacific and vice versa, boosting commercial and economic exchange with a strong influence on the world trade patterns. The economic and social growth of the countries in the region was fostered, and it contributed to the economic and social expansion of many remote areas of the world where Valparaiso was the main port of the route.

The urgent need to build a luminous navigational aid to guide and assist ships calling at the port became evident in 1837, shortly after Chile became independent from Spain, given the established importance of the port of Valparaiso in the Pacific area.

This is how the first light that lighted the coasts of Chile and was probably one of the first in the Pacific area of the Americas was created. The Punta Angeles Lighthouse, first named Valparaiso, was built at the request of the honorable Cabildo of Valparaiso, the ruling body of government and justice of the time, which proposed to build a lighthouse with public funds, provided that the government would establish a small tonnage fee in its favor. On 17 November 1837, the construction of the lighthouse was approved when Supreme Decree Nº109 was promulgated. After several months of hard work, on 24 August 1838, the construction was completed and the lighthouse began to operate on that same date.

The first tower was made of wood painted white, shown in the distance as a quadrangular pyramid. Its base measured 6.80 meters and was 17.74 meters high up to the base of the lantern and its cornice measured 3 meters on each side. The construction ended with an iron roof, and a torch whose light was visible at 50 leagues.

By January 1851, the lighthouse started to deteriorate due to both its structural condition and its light that was visible from 5 to 7 miles away, which was considered insufficient because the steamers coming in at night could not rely on this navigational aid.
These concerns were the basis for the inclusion of Valparaíso in the First Lighting Plan for the Chilean coast, which consisted in the purchase of five retro-reflecting beacons in France, to be installed in the main ports of the country.

On 18 September 1857, the lighthouse of Valparaiso located on the southernmost point of the bay of Valparaíso, started to operate. It was a 15 meters high cylindrical white brick tower and green lantern roof and fan with a luminous range of 16 NM, a technological achievement for the time. Over the years and due to the increase in the number of navigational aids in the country, the lighthouse started to be used as a School for Aids to Navigation specialists in 1887.

In 1906, a major earthquake hit Valparaíso causing great damage to the structure of the lighthouse. The demolition of the old house and the construction of a new building that would house the employees and the lighthouse specialists School were then planned.

On 18 September 1857, the lighthouse of Valparaiso located on the southernmost point of the bay of Valparaíso, started to operate. It was a 15 meters high cylindrical white brick tower and green lantern roof and fan with a luminous range of 16 NM, a technological achievement for the time. Over the years and due to the increase in the number of navigational aids in the country, the lighthouse started to be used as a School for Aids to Navigation specialists in 1887.

In 1906, a major earthquake hit Valparaíso causing great damage to the structure of the lighthouse. The demolition of the old house and the construction of a new building that would house the employees and the lighthouse specialists School were then planned.
A light projector and a cast iron tower were ordered from Chance Brothers of Birmingham, one of the first lighthouse manufacturers in the world.

The architecture of the tower represents the traditional and unique cone shape of a lighthouse. It was built in three-story sections, with a total height of 18 meters formed with plates and lining inside the service chamber and lantern, as well as its cabin that gives a view of the rugged coastline, the strong waves and the horizon. A lenticular device and advanced technology machinery were also incorporated. In 1908, the same tower began to operate up to the present day, completing more than 113 years of operation.

Later, in 1967, with the purpose of building the Arturo Prat Naval Academy to train Chilean Navy officers, the lighthouse was moved 1,000 meters away from its original location to the next point of the southern end of the bay, called Punta Rancagua. This location remains to this day, however, it kept the name of Punta Angeles and the tower installed in 1908.

Conservation

Given the importance of the Punta Angeles Lighthouse, conservation efforts can be seen from according to its chronological evolution;

1837

On 9 November, a Supreme Decree is signed to build the lighthouse, approved by the Cabildo of Valparaíso, which was the ruling body of the time. This date marks the celebration of the Aids to Navigation Specialists day in Chile.

1838

On 24 August, construction of the lighthouse is completed and put into service. It is built of white painted wood; it looked like a quadrangular pyramid in the distance. Its base was 6.80 meters and its height was 17.74 meters up to the base of the lantern.
The cornice was 3 meters long and had an iron roof at the top, with a torch whose light could be seen 50 meters away. The lighthouse became operational as of that date and two keepers were hired for its maintenance and monitoring. This marks the beginning of the Aids to Navigation specialty.

1857

Because of deterioration, due to the type of material and the need to improve its capabilities, the construction of a new tower is
arranged. The tower is now a 15 meters high white structure. The roof of the lantern and the fan are green, and the light system has a 16 NM luminous range.

1861

Records show detailed expenses associated to the Valparaíso Lighthouse, including construction, repairs, and minor expenses, as well as the cost of specialized personnel hired for maintenance. In this way, the lighthouse was well maintained, regularly serviced, staffed with the necessary personnel and tools, and it operated smoothly until 1866.

1866

During the war against Spain, the Maritime Governor of Valparaíso ordered the lighthouse to be turned off for a few months so it would not serve the enemy’s purposes. During that time, the bay of Valparaíso was blockaded and bombarded by the Spanish
fleet, and the lighthouse was used as headquarters, which caused severe damage to its infrastructure. The Yerbas Buenas battery was built next to the lighthouse to repel enemy attacks.

1870

Maritime officials at the time reported the poor condition of both the building and the lighting, establishing a regular economic allowance to improve the conditions of the structure.

1880

There is evidence that during the 1880s necessary repairs were made for the conservation and better service of the lighthouse. Repairs were made until 1889 to completely restore the lighthouse. Facilities were modified to provide adequate conditions for the operation
of the Aids to Navigation School.

1908

A major earthquake hit Valparaíso in 1906 causing great damage to the structure of the lighthouse. Therefore, arrangements were made for the demolition of the old house and the construction of a new building that would house the employees and the Aids to
Navigation School. A cast iron tower was purchased, built in sections with plates and lined inside the service chamber, while the lantern wall was covered with wood finishing. A lenticular device and advanced European technology machinery were also installed.
In 1908, the lighthouse tower began operating and is currently in service, as well as the building housing the employees in charge of its operation and the Aids to Navigation School that opened in 1887.

1967

In 1964, it is decided to build the Arturo Prat Naval Academy where the lighthouse was located. The tower was moved about 1,000 meters away, to Punta Rancagua area. The lighthouse began to operate in 1967, keeping the name Punta Angeles. The relocation of the tower included the construction of four houses to accommodate four lighthouse specialists and their families who would be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the lighthouse.

1973

An important modernization of the lighthouse lighting equipment was carried out, including a powerful rotating xenon light lantern by Stone Chance, with a light range of 32 NM, a real accomplishment for the region at that time. After almost 50 years, this equipment is still in operation under its original conditions.

1983

The Aids to Navigation Service, which is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and re-lighting of navigational aids throughout the country, is located next to the lighthouse site.

1987

The School for Coast Guard and Aids to Navigation specialists was inaugurated for the specialization of commissioned and noncommissioned officers in the control of maritime operations and care of the maritime environment, and for national aids to navigation personnel. In this year, the houses that previously accommodated the aids to navigation specialists were closed and lighthouse keepers became instructors at the new school.

1998

Next to the tower is the George Slight Lighthouse Historical Exhibit Hall, which houses pieces dating back to the end of the 19th century. Before the COVID 19 pandemic, the exhibition hall received an average of 6,500 registered visitors of all ages. The exhibition was designed to show the public the history of the Punta Angeles Lighthouse and the national aids to navigation.

2001

In 1999, the School for Coast Guard and Aids to Navigation School was relocated to another city. The buildings were transformed into offices so that in 2001, the current Technical Directorates facilities started operating which house two important technical branches of
the General Directorate of the National Maritime Territory: The Directorate of Maritime Safety, Security and Operations, and the Directorate of Maritime Interests and Aquatic Environment.

2022

Currently, the Punta Angeles Lighthouse is a characteristic feature of the Technical Directorates Facilities and, together with other historic sites, is an important icon of the city of Valparaiso. The facility is made up of two buildings that house the Directorate of Maritime Safety, Security and Operations, the Directorate of Maritime Interests and Aquatic Environment, the Maritime Instruction and Training Center (CIMAR), the Maritime Technical Library and a chapel. It receives around 400 personnel who perform their daily tasks for the Directorate General of the Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine. The Lighthouse and Exhibition Hall are still managed by the Aids to Navigation Service. It has modern research and development facilities, equipment quality control, maintenance, and management and control of national aids. One important task, as it has been since 1887 continues to be the training of its personnel. Given the heritage and significance of the Punta Angeles Lighthouse and the exhibit hall, they are annually maintained, and annual financial resources are provided for their conservation.

Public Access and Education

The efforts that have been made to facilitate public access to the lighthouse and/or to educate the public about the heritage of the nominated lighthouse as well as the wider context of aids to navigation. The Lighthouse heritage is a permanent concern of the aids to navigation specialists; conservation is a task that has been taken seriously to educate the public on the history of national aids to navigation and to show the technological evolution of navigational aids. Therefore, the following measures have
been taken to protect the Punta Angeles Lighthouse heritage:

1. Tourist attraction.
Over the last 40 years, the city of Valparaíso has grown significantly, to such an extent that the lighthouse is no longer far from the city and has become one of the city’s important tourist attractions. A viewpoint was built in front of the lighthouse, facing the cliffs towards the seashore, where visitors are able to contemplate the sea, the horizon, and the ships that enter and leave the bay, the sunset and the majestic structure of the lighthouse behind it, with its impressive and powerful light. Valparaíso is a touristic city; a walk to the lighthouse viewpoint is one of the visitors’ favorite activities.

2. Creation of the Lighthouse Exhibit Hall.
In 1998, the Maritime Aids to Navigation Service, created the George Slight Lighthouse Historical Exhibition Hall as a way of preserving the history and heritage of Chile’s lighthouses. This is a small museum, located next to the Punta Angeles Lighthouse, where the history of the lighthouses in Chile is exhibited. It also shows old navigational aids and most importantly, it illustrates the memories of aids to navigation specialists, whose life and work are not easy due to the remoteness, loneliness and the daily challenge of the harsh weather conditions of this part of the planet.
In 2017, due to the increased number of visitors and pieces included in the collection, the hall was expanded and specialists were hired to provide a museum approach for the exhibition.

3. Guided tours inside the lighthouse.
Since 1987, the lighthouse is open to visitors guided by a tour guide who explains the history of the lighthouse, details of the national aids to navigation and its relevance. People from schools, senior centers, sports clubs and general public visit the lighthouse every year, with an average of 6,500 visitors registered.

4. Training of specialized personnel.
We have realized the value of preserving the lighthouse heritage and educating the public about its history but we also understand that the new generations of lighthouse specialists need to learn and comprehend the responsibility they will have. For that reason, the Punta Angeles Lighthouse and the modern laboratories of the Aids to Navigation Service are regularly visited by students aiming to become Aids to Navigation professionals, not only to teach them about the equipment and devices they will use on site, but also about
the history they will inherit and guard.

5. Book of Lighthouses.
The Aids to Navigation Service, fully aware of its responsibility to preserve the history of aids to navigation, is currently creating and publishing a series of books, giving priority to the most important ones. Thus, in 2021, the book “Punta Ángeles, El Primer Faro de Chile” (Punta Angeles, Chile’s First Lighthouse) was published.

6. Distinguished visitors.
Distinguished guests who come to learn about the tasks related to maritime operations and the aquatic environment often visit the
Technical Directorates facilities. The Punta Angeles Lighthouse and the Exhibition Hall are a major attraction for distinguished
guests. Many of the authorities pause their activities to see the lighthouse and take a good picture.

Additional Information

1. Tourist destination:
The Punta Angeles Lighthouse has been designated as a tourist destination point in the city and it is included in a tour route of places of interest that are recommended to Valparaiso visitors from all over the world, a city that in 2022 will celebrate its 19th anniversary as a city UNESCO World Heritage.

2. Age:
Over 184 years of operation as a navigational aid (as of 2022).

3. Historical background of its construction:
Beginning of the Republic of Chile (1837).

4. Relevance of the lighthouse’s construction:
Long ago, Valparaíso was an obligatory passage for ships and steamships coming from Europe, and the lighthouse was an essential element for the safety and efficiency of ship traffic in the Pacific Ocean, which led to the prosperity of the Pacific American coast.

5. History:
Since the lighthouse was built, there has been a great commitment towards its maintenance and conservation. Although the lighthouse has been exposed to external disasters such as war, bombardments, earthquakes, etc. these have not been able to destroy it, and like a phoenix, it has risen with greater strength each time, becoming an icon of the national maritime heritage.

6. Operational significance:
The Lighthouse has been a silent witness of the economic and social development of Chile and particularly of the city of Valparaíso. It was built to meet an urgent need of improving and supporting the maritime trade of Valparaíso and the region, a need that is still present today, as this is the most important port in Chile.

7. Age of tower and equipment:
Great efforts have been made to preserve the tower that was manufactured in Europe and installed in 1908. Likewise, there have been endeavors to keep operative the high-power Xenon Lantern, which was put into operation in 1973.

8. Maintenance:
Given both operational and heritage significance, the Lighthouse counts on personnel and financial resources for its conservation, operation and exhibition to the public. Therefore, the internal and external structure of the lighthouse, as well as its luminous system,
which dates back to 1973, and the historical exhibition hall are in excellent condition.

9. Public Awareness:
Currently there is a great interest to preserve the history of navigational aids worldwide, and aware of such responsibility, the Aids to Navigation Service has kept the Lighthouse and the Exhibition Hall open for more than 30 years, to be visited by the public, thus becoming a cultural and social milestone that can amaze anyone.

10. Training:
The Lighthouse has always played an important role in the training of new generations of navigational aids specialists. It hosted the School for Coast Guard and Aids to Navigation specialists for some time and it has always served as a training center for conducting practical aids to navigation activities.

Photos and Diagrams