View source for Caisson lighthouse

{{Short description|Lighthouse whose superstructure rests on a concrete or metal caisson}}
A '''caisson lighthouse''' (also referred to as a '''sparkplug lighthouse''', or '''bug light''') is a type of [[lighthouse]] whose superstructure rests on a [[concrete]] or metal [[caisson (engineering)|caisson]].<ref name="Rowlett">{{cite rowlett|sparkplugs|access-date=February 27, 2018}}</ref> Caisson lighthouses were developed in the late nineteenth century as a cheaper alternative to [[screwpile lighthouse]]s. The caisson design was also more efficient as it could better withstand harsh weather, and was not as fragile. Caisson lighthouses usually have living quarters made of [[cast iron]], although some brick examples are known. The two American nicknames were later coined because of the structure's shape.<ref name="Rowlett"/><ref>Jeremy D'Entremont, "The Lighthouses of New England," Commonwealth Editions, 2003.</ref><ref>Tim Harrison i Ray Jones, "Lighthouses of the Mid-Atlantic Coast," Globe Pequot Press, 2002</ref>

==Gallery==
{{Gallery
|Image:USCGwolftraplight1960.jpg|{{center|[[Wolf Trap Light]]<br>a caisson lighthouse in the Chesapeake Bay}}
|File:Butler Flats Light, New Bedford, MA.jpg|{{center|[[Butler Flats Light]]<br>stands in open water about {{convert|15|ft}} deep, about {{convert|1800|ft}} from land}}
|File:Green's Ledge Light, Norwalk 1907.jpg|{{center|[[Greens Ledge Light]]<br>stands in open water about {{convert|10|ft}} deep, about 1 km from land}}
|File:Sakonnet Lighthouse RI 2.jpg|{{center|[[Sakonnet Light]]<br>is on a small rock}}
}}

==See also==
{{commons category-inline}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Lighthouses}}

[[Category:Lighthouses]]
[[Category:Caissons]]


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