Want to own a lighthouse? In the US, they're giving them away

‘The Buggles’, a British band, ruled the airwaves back in the ’70s with ‘Video Killed the Radio Star.’ Flash forward about forty years, and it seems like ‘GPS Killed the Lighthouse’ is the tune we should be singing.

No less than ten lighthouses, storied beacons that guided mariners for generations, are being gifted or auctioned off along the shores of America.

Photo: Chris Ainsworth / Unsplash

The culprit? Modern technology. Thanks to GPS, ships can now navigate the seven seas without the need for cool landmarks like lighthouses.

Photo: Christian Holzinger / Unsplash

To keep these age-old icons, some over a hundred years old, in good hands, the US agency General Services Administration (GSA) is seeking new owners who, while not using them for their original purpose, will treasure and care of these often gorgeous landmarks.

The GSA has been on this mission since the dawn of the 21st century, when Congress gave the green light to the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

Photo: Keith Luke / Unsplash

Since then, the GSA has changed the locks on 150 lighthouses, freely given another 80 away, and auctioned off 70 more. In total, that’s 300 lighthouses generating a handsome sum of over $10 million, as per the GSA’s website.

The GSA is initially eyeing federal, state, or local government agencies as the prime candidates to take over these structures.

Photo: Jordan McQueen / Unsplash

Non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or other groups committed to preserving and promoting these landmarks for educational, cultural, or recreational purposes are also on the GSA’s radar and are usually next up for ownership.

Many lighthouses that found new guardians this century have become hot tourist destinations, attracting daily crowds of onlookers and artists.

If none of these ideal caretakers step forward, the GSA has a backup plan: a good old-fashioned auction. Seriously, is there anything cooler than owning a lighthouse?

In fact, many owners who have managed to snag a lighthouse have converted them into private residences.

Photo: Janus Y. / Unsplash

In 2023, the GSA has its sights set on passing the torch for several lighthouses in New England, New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Photo: Raju Bhupatiraju / Unsplash

To give you a taste, consider the Plymouth/Gurnet Light in Massachusetts. This 34-foot (10-meter) giant, built in 1768, was maintained by the first female lighthouse keeper in US history.

Then there’s the towering Warwick Neck Light in Warwick, an imposing 51-footer (15 meters) that’s been a lifesaver for sailors bound for Providence since 1827.

Photo: cyndeesewn / Instagram

Also eye-catching is the Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Light, a lofty 50-foot (15-meter) steel structure erected in 1911. Even extra romantic, it’s only accessible by boat.

Photo: swdfphotography / Instagram

Naturally, all the lighthouse owners have formed a club - the ‘Lighthouse Family.’ They meet twice a year and perennially invite their namesake band to play at their gatherings. Ok, that’s a joke, but wouldn’t it be fabulous if it were true?