One Hundred Year Old Lighthouse

Guard Islands are two islets near the northern entrance of Tongass Narrows which opens to the town of Ketchikan. The larger of the two islands is home to the Guard Island lighthouse, considered one of the most easily accessible lighthouses in the state. The lighthouse's construction began in 1903 and it lit up for the first time on September 15, 1904. It had a 34-foot wood tower and the minor optic lens is mechanized to strike every 20 seconds. Along with the lighthouse, there is a 1.5 story lighthouse keeper's cottage on the island, as well as a boathouse and an oil storage facility. Over the years, the wood used to build the lighthouse deteriorated due to the nearly 200 inches of rain Ketchikan sees each year. The original structure was replaced in 1924 made of reinforced concrete. It was at this time that a second keeper's home was built on the island. In 1939 the lighthouse went from being managed by civilian keepers to the Coast Guard. In 1966, two deer pets, Wickie and Kado, would wander near the Guardsmen and have their ears and chins petted. During the night, Wickie slept at the foot of the keeper's bed. These deer roamed the island and were long-time beloved pets of the Coast Guardsmen. Currently, Guard Island Heritage hopes to transform the lighthouse into an art gallery and museum. they also have plans to surround the island with a boardwalk. There is a self-guided tour that visitors can take to enjoy the vegetation, wildlife, and rich history of the island.