Faro Los Morrillos: Cabo Rojo’s Lighthouse
Faro Los Morrillos in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico - All Photos: George Collazo ©
The Historical Significance of Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo
Located in the beautiful municipality of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, stands a beacon of light that has guided countless ships through the treacherous waters of the Caribbean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean. This beacon is none other than the Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo, also known as Los Morrillos Light.
A Beacon Since 1882
Constructed in 1882, this lighthouse has been a vital navigational aid for over a century. Perched atop a white lime cliff, surrounded by saltwater lagoons and marshes, the lighthouse offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Architectural Simplicity
The lighthouse’s architecture is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With minimal decoration and an unelaborated cornice repeated throughout the structure, it stands as a symbol of functional elegance.
A Guiding Light
The lighthouse’s illuminating apparatus is housed in a cast-iron, copper, and glass lantern. The lenticular lens, manufactured by the French firm Sautter, Lemonnier, and Company, has been the guiding light for countless sailors.
Life at the Cabo Rojo’s Lighthouse
In its early days, the lighthouse was staffed by two keepers and an engineer, who lived on the grounds with their families. However, since its renovation in 1967, the operation of the lighthouse has been completely automated.
A Future Museum?
Despite being abandoned for decades, there are ongoing efforts by the local government and civic groups to transform the old lighthouse keeper’s house into a museum. This would provide a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of those who once called this lighthouse home.
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