The Turks and Caicos Islands are in the Caribbean region close to Cuba, Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. The Grand Turk Lighthouse is located on Grand Turk Island overlooking the North creek. It was built by British architect Alexander Gordon in 1852 to warn sailors of the shallow waters close to the beach. The lighthouse is a tall structure and measures 60 feet. In older times it was powered by kerosene lamps and this was the method that was used for the lighthouse up until 1972 when electric lamps came into use.
The lighthouse is located on Lighthouse Road on the shoreline of Grand Turk. It was built on a small limestone hill that provides a view of the shallow reef and the northern part of the island. The North Creek is historically important as it is said that the creek resembles Columbus’ description of the first island he came across when looking for the New World in 1492. The beach surrounding the lighthouse is a stunning site covered by mangrove trees. It is also a hotspot for watching whales in February and March.
Like most similar structures, the Grand Turk Lighthouse is a white-washed building. It has reflecting panels that can increase the amount of light by 450 times. Most of the architecture and design was done by the British. There are storage houses where the kerosene was kept and there is a guardhouse where the guard would rest for the night. The whole operation of filling the lamps with kerosene and extinguishing the fire in the morning was done until 1972. The structure is now over 150 years old, but it still stands as a sign warning ships of the reef in the shallow waters.
Visitors interested in seeing this historical site can look to stay at wellness retreat in order to also enjoy some holistic healing. There are several health and wellness retreats in Turks and Caicos such as COMO Shambhala which is part of Parrot Cay by COMO. It offers a wealth of treatments and therapies that will assist you to find true peace for mind, body and spirit amidst breathtaking settings in which rest and relaxation are never hard to find.