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RG 26- RECORDS OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD
Lighthouse Service
LETTERS RECEIVED FROM DISTRICT ENGINEERS AND INSPECTORS, Feb. 1853-Dec. 1900
Twelveth and Thirteenth District Engineer and Inspector, July 1871- May 1872
Vol. 311, parts A-B Box 358, entry 24
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Office of the Light house Engineer, Thirteenth District, Portland, Oregon July 18, 1871 Rear Admiral W.B. Shubrick Chairman Light House Board, Washington. D.C. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report in reference to the proposed Light House at Cape Foulweather, Oregon. 1: - The Site - I would propose to put the Light House on Cape Foulweather as it was formerly called but named Yaquina Point on the latest Coast Survey Chart (See accompanying sketch) As far as I can see and learn from seamen it is a matter of indifference to mariners which point is selected. Yaquina Point or Cape Foulweather. The difference in expense of construction is greatly in favor of Yaquina Point. There is at present a road from Newport at the mouth of Yaquina Bay to Yaquina point. about 4 1/2 miles long. which could be put into good condition for probably $800 coin. 252
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This road would place the Light House within easy access from the village of Newport. The most important place in that section of country.
Cape Foulweather itself is at present unapproachable I understand from the South. A road of 10 miles length would have to be built from Yaquina Point costing at least $5000. coin and the item of freight would be increased if hauled from from Newport at the rate of $2.coin per ton. estimating from the best data I could obtain. This would give an aggregate increase of cost on these two items of say $15,000. coin, if the material were transported from Newport to Cape Foulweather.
But I understand that the best route to Cape Foulweather is to ship to the Siletz river about 10 miles north of the Cape. from which point the Cape is more easily approached.
Again it is probable that much of the freight may be landed at the Cape or Point as the case maybe when the cost would be much more equalized.
All things considered. I should estimate the
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cost of the Light House and dwelling at least $10,000- coin more at Cape Foulweather than Yaquina point. without any corresponding advantage.
The reservation at Cape Foulweather referred to on page 71 of the annual report of the annual Light House Board for 1870 evidently applies to the present Yaquina Point which was known as Cape Foulweather till altered in 1870 by the U.S. Coast Survey. (See page 133. Coast Survey Pilot for Oregon 1870.)
The Light House I should propose to put at the end of Yaquina Point and the dwelling at one of the two following points.
Between the Light House and the hill, facing west and distant about 150 yards from the Light House, which is probably the best point, or at the distance of one half mile from the Light House to the Northeast of the first hill, is a site for the dwelling which is protected by the two high hills from the severe southerly gales prevailing during the winter.
As far as the comfort of the keepers, and the
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durability of the building is concerned- this point is decidedly preferable. It would have the advantage of distance from the Lighthouse and of being hidden from view except from the Northeast. If these objections are not considered too serious, I should prefer to leave the site of the dwelling open till the building is commenced. It will be seen from the enclosed sketch that there is a prominent hill - 360 feet high, only a short distance east of the point mentioned above so that the base of the lower could be placed as high as desired. After I had examined the ground, I discussed the matter with Colonel Williamson and found that he had also selected the extreme Point when he visited the Cape.
(2). Plan of Light House. I should propose to adopt the plan of the Cape Blanco Light House, modified so as to place the focal plane 75 feet above the ground. (see enclosed plan) 255