Bird-cage lantern

A bird-cage lantern was the style of lantern common to American lighthouses in the early years of the nineteenth century. The lanterns received their name because of their appearance; they are shaped like wire bird cages.

When Fresnel lenses were introduced to the country in the 1850s, most lighthouses were retrofitted with new lanterns, as the older ones could not support the new style of lens. Consequently, only four lighthouses with original bird-cage lanterns survive in the United States; those that do were discontinued before they could be fitted for the new lantern.

Remaining lanterns

Baileys Harbor Light, Wisconsin^[1]
Selkirk Light, New York^[2]
Waugoshance Light, Michigan^[3]
Prudence Island Light, Rhode Island
Old Cape Henry Light, Virginia

Images

Prudence Island Light
Baileys Harbor Light
Waugoshance Light

References

^ Baileys Harbor Lighthouse Archived February 17, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
^ Selkirk Lighthouse
^ Waugoshance Shoal Lighthouse

Lighthouses

History of lighthouses
Conservation of lighthouses
Museums

Types

Construction	Aerial Caisson Crib Integral Pile Screw-pile Skeletal tower Vessel (acting)
Navigational purpose	Daymark Leading lights Sea mark Sector light