The Cape Blanco Lighthouse. Photograph by Rebecca Malamud-Evans.

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CAPE BLANCO LIGHTHOUSE
Current Status : ENDANGERED

The tower of our Cape Blanco Lighthouse has been closed to tours since 2020. It is in dire need of structural repairs in order to re-open to the public. In September 2022, a group of preservation experts investigated our lighthouse and prepared an assessment as well as a ballpark amount of what it will take to repair the lighthouse to the point that the tower can re-open for tours.

  • Estimated total for repairs is:
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$682,000

In addition, the road to our lighthouse is deteriorating rapidly, and if we do not repair the road, people who need to access the lighthouse in order to repair it will not be able to do so. Note that the cost is to repair the tower only and does not include the road.

Our lighthouse is an important part of history. It holds five Oregon records:

  • It is the oldest continually operating light in Oregon.
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  • It is the most westerly in Oregon.
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  • It has the highest focal plane above the sea in Oregon (approx. 250 feet).
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  • James Langlois has an unmatched tenure at any other West Coast lighthouse (46 years).
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  • Oregon’s first woman keeper, Mabel E. Bretherton signed on in March 1903.
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LEARN More About The Assessment HELP favorite_onDONATE

It is difficult to imagine our area without the Cape Blanco Lighthouse. It adds a unique character and charm plus attracts visitors from all over the world every year. Every lighthouse is special and has its own story to tell and if we lose one we are losing an important part of our collective history. Are we just going to let it fall into disrepair or let it meet an uncertain fate? It's time we stepped up to Save Our Lighthouse. We thank everyone who has helped us so far, most notably our 2023 Volunteers who didn't give up in the face of adversity.

Support Our Cape Blanco Lighthouse!

Artists are stepping up to support our cause! Our first wave of donated art is available as part of our 2024 "Save Our Lighthouse" catalogue. If you are interested in a work, contact the Cape Blanco Heritage Society for details. In addition, anyone can donate any amount directly to our fundraiser. Checks can be mailed to Cape Blanco Heritage Society, PO Box 1132, Port Orford, OR 97465. Please write "Save Our Lighthouse" in the check memo. Smaller monetary and recurring donations can be made here. — Please note, this is just the beginning of our fundraiser, so bookmark this page for more art and news regarding “Save Our Lighthouse.”

Photos above show the Cape Blanco Lighthouse Gate Road as it appeared in December 2024 as compared to 2023. We have drafted a proposal in 2025 with the hopes to facilitate a reroute or repair of this vital road for lighthouse access. For more news on needed repairs at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, please read about the lighthouse assessment by the State Historic Preservation Office in 2022. Subscribing to our newsetter by becoming a member of the Cape Blanco Heritage Society is a great way to stay up-to-date on happenings with our group and "Save Our Lighthouse.""

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