Peggys Point Lighthouse Size report
The province of Nova Scotia in eastern Canada was named by the original Scottish settlers in Latin, meaning "a new Scottish country." The town was once Britain's first colonial frontier in North America. The urban landscape at that time, Peach Coup and Peggys Point Lighthouse, is a world heritage site located about 40 minutes west of Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia.
The name Peggy Bay first appeared in 1766. It is speculated that the name comes from St. Margarets Bay, and Peggy is Margaret's nickname. Margaret is the name of the mother of Canadian historical figure Samuel de Champlain. There are also other speculations, such as the name of the wife of an early settler, the name of the only survivor of a nearby shipwreck, etc.
Peggys Point Lighthouse was originally a wooden structure built in 1868; it was rebuilt in 1914 and still stands on the coast watching the ships sailing on the sea. Peggy Bay attracts tourists largely because of the red and white lighthouse on the cape of Peggy Bay. This post introduces more details about this old lighthouse, including its size and features.
Peggys Point Lighthouse Size and Structure
Peggys Point Lighthouse, also known as Peggys Cove Lighthouse, is located in the south of the small fishing village at the east entrance of Margaret Bay. The first lighthouse in Peggy's Bay was built in 1868 and is a wooden lighthouse. After sunset, the tower keeper lights up the kerosene lamp and sends out a red signal with the help of a reflector, indicating the east entrance of St. Margaret's Bay to passing ships. The current lighthouse was built in 1914, replacing the old wooden lighthouse. The lighthouse is built into a huge granite expanse formed by a glacier about 20,000 years ago.
The old wooden lighthouse was used as the tower keeper's residence and remained next to the current lighthouse until it was demolished after being severely damaged by Hurricane Edna in 1954. Nowadays, the lighthouse is managed by the Canadian Coast Guard.
Measurements of Peggys Point Lighthouse
The current Peggys Point Lighthouse is a reinforced concrete structure nearly 15 meters (50 feet) high and retains the octagonal shape of the previous wooden lighthouse. The lighthouse was automated in 1958, the signal lights changed from red to white and green in the late 1970s. Finally, it was changed to red light according to world standards in 2007.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Constructed | 1868 (first); 1914 (current) |
| Markings | white tower, red lantern |
| Status | Close |
| Tower Height | 15 m (50 ft) |
| Height Above Water | 22 m (77 ft) |
Final Words
Nova Scotia is home to over 160 historic lighthouses throughout the province. Peggys Cove Lighthouse is one of Nova Scotia's most well-known lighthouses and may be the most photographed in Canada. It was once a guiding light for fishermen and sailors traveling to and from the sea. The sunset at Peggy Bay is famous and stunning; photography lovers should not miss it. It's worth spending a day watching the waves and exploring the rocks. You have to be wary of the dangerously wet, dark granite stones. Even on a calm, sunny day, unpredictable, choppy waves often crash over the rocks. Walking on dry white rock is the safest way to enjoy the view.
