In 1734, the first Canadian lighthouse went into service at Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island. It was constructed on an outcrop of rock on the point. It guarded the eastern side of the entrance to Louisbourg Harbor. Since that time, three more lighthouses have been erected in the same spot.
Cod oil was used as fuel for the lantern. The light was 70 pieds high. The fuel basin was one metre across and 25 cm deep. A cork floated a copper ring, which contained 31 copper pipes soldered at intervals. Every pipe contained a cotton wick. The light could be seen for 18 miles if the weather was clear.
Louisbourg lighthouse operated from April 1st to December 31st each year. It was a profitable lighthouse as duty was collected from the ships that entered Louisbourg Harbor. In 1736, tragedy struck. A fire destroyed the lantern portion of the lighthouse. Ships were warned away from the rocky point using coal and wood.
A new lantern was designed. To prevent fire, a large oil reservoir was used. Wicks were further apart. Masons erected 6 stone pillars, which supported a brick roof lined with lead. Window frames were constructed of iron. The new lantern began operation in July 1738. It was 73 pieds 6 pounces high. The lightkeeper was a retired serviceman from Fort Louisbourg. It is believed the lighthouse was damaged during a siege in 1758. It was not repaired at that time.
Eighty-four years later in 1842, a new lighthouse was constructed at Louisbourg. The lighthouse keeper’s residence was built into the lighthouse. This new light was eight-sided, 10 feet in diameter and glazed with a large number of 17 x 11-foot panes of glass. The lantern had four circular lamps with 20-inch reflectors and five lamps with 12-inch reflectors. The lighthouse is reported to have burned 530 gallons of oil annually.
The lighthouse, which stands at the entrance of Louisbourg Harbor today, was constructed in 1923, after the 1842 lighthouse was destroyed by fire. This lighthouse was built by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and remains their property. This light was built using reinforced concrete. The light, which still warns ships away from the rocky point, is automated.
The Louisbourg lighthouse was designated as a “Recognized Heritage Property” by the Federal Heritage Building Review Office because of its historical significance. It sits on the site of the first Canadian lighthouse. The plans for this lighthouse have only been used at Louisbourg and George’s Island lighthouse. The tapered octagon shape of the Louisbourg lighthouse has classic detail and looks much like the original light.
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