Browns Point Lighthouse
photos by Linda Hudson
Anacortes, Washington 98221
| Tours | Interpretive Center |
Overnight Stays |
Weddings | Giftshop | Fresnel Lens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Browns Point History
In late 1887, two years before Washington became a state, a fixed white light lens lantern was placed on a white post on Point Brown near what is now Tacoma. These lantern posts were a common way in those days to help ships navigate the waters of Puget Sound.
It wasn’t until 1901 that the first lighthouse and a house for the keeper were built at Browns Point. The lighthouse was a wood frame structure placed on wood pilings just off shore. At low tide, Oscar Brown, the first keeper, could walk to the lighthouse, but at high tide he had to take a rowboat to reach his office.
Visiting Browns Point
Today, you can get a taste of what it was like to be a Browns Point lighthouse keeper. You can sign up for a one-week stay, learning local history and conducting tours. The lighthouse is open Saturdays from 1 to 4pm, March through November.
Proceeds from the sale of Washington Lighthouse license plates have helped keep Browns Point Lighthouse shining with the following restoration projects:
- 2008 – Restore trim in Keepers Cottage $3,000
- 2010 – Replace Roof on Light Keepers Quarters $10,000
- 2011 – Frames and Sashes for Historic Class Windows $5,000
- 2012 – Keepers Cottage Back Porch Replacement $1,750
- 2014 – 5th Order Fresnel Lens Restoration Project, $2,100
- 2017 – Restore Oil House, $7,000 (see report and pictures
- 2019 – Restore Generator Building, $7,000 (see report and pictures
Map & Directions
