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Mukilteo Light Station |
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Literally at the docks for the Ferry to Vashon Island, the Mukilteo Light
Station is one of the more visible light stations in the region. The
Indians called this point Muckl-te-oh meaning “good camping ground.” It
was an important gathering place and trading center for the local
tribes. On January 22, 1855, this was the site of the Point
Elliott Treaty between Washington Territorial Governor Isaac Ingalls
Stevens and 22 Puget Sound Indian Tribes.
Installed in 1906 and electrified in 1927, the station is still
operational, and the site is owned by the US Coast Guard. Oddly,
the 4th Order Lens is owned by the Mukilteo Historical Society, and was
moved from the Desdemona Lighthouse to this light room, replacing a
search light installed by the Coast Guard in the 80's. |
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The Victorian style light tower with attached fog
signal building was made of wood, a unique feature as most lighthouses
of this period were built of brick and concrete. The lantern on top of
the 30-foot tower was equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens,
illuminated by a kerosene lamp. The
Pictures Left and right are both from from 1920... |
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Today, still with Mt Baker as a backdrop, Mukilteo Light is next to the
Ferry Terminal in the town named after the point and station. |
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The view from the water is pretty impressive, especially at sunset. |
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Then and now... the view from the water in 1920 contrasts with the view in
2006... I'm a bit higher up off the water, in a ferry, than the person
who took the picture in 1920, though. |
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The light station has served the maritime needs of the Puget Sound for
more than 100 years, and is very much an important landmark, if not for
navigation, then for the city that grew around it. |
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