For more than two centuries, lighthouses have served the practical purpose of helping sailors find their way through treacherous waters, guiding them home or taking them safely through passages on their way to adventure. These historic towers and houses form a sparkling chain of lights along our coasts, a reminder of the past echoing with adventure and mystery, a lure for travelers looking for a glimpse into a romantic past. Completely revised and updated for its tenth anniversary, American Lighthouses offers more than just a tour of the beautiful and historic navigational beacons dotting the coasts and lakes of the United States. This fully illustrated, one-of-a-kind handbook describes more than 450 lighthouses, detailing their history and architecture and providing full information on visiting or just viewing them. Included are many "endangered" lights, threatened by erosion or lack of funding, and "ghost lights," which are no longer standing. The authors provide an engaging overview of the history of the lighthouse service, each individual light and its keepers, and surprising facts about the construction and maintenance of the buildings and their massive Fresnel lenses. In addition to directions to each lighthouse, details on access, parking, and visitor hours, advice on the best vantage points for viewing and picture taking, and nearby sites of interest are also included. Read Less