Turtle Rock Lighthouse

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 1887 (1887**)

Photo of the Turtle Rock Lighthouse.
 
 
   

History of the Turtle Rock Lighthouse

The lighthouse was originally built to guide steamboats down the Schuylkill River. Ideas for a lighthouse to provide safety for river users appeared in meeting minutes dating back to the 1820s. It wasn't until the early 1880s was a formal request made for a lighthouse at Turtle Rock. It was listed as necessary, but not urgent, and therefore delayed until 1887. Minutes show that the Chief Engineer for the project was Frank Thurwanger, and the lighthouse construction costs were $2663.00.

The Lighthouse Digest Archives have a much more detailed history for this lighthouse. It can be read here.

Directions: The lighthouse sits on the grounds of the Sedgeley Club, which is at 15 Kelly Drive, Boathouse Row, in Philadelphia.

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Tower Information
Tower Height: 30.00'
Focal Plane: Unknown
Active Aid to Navigation: Yes
*Latitude: 39.97000 N
*Longitude: -75.19000 W
See this lighthouse on Google Maps.

 

* Please note that all GPS coordinates are approximated and are meant to put you in the vicinity of the lighthouse, not for navigation purposes.

** This year denotes a station date. This is the year that a lighthouse was first reported in the vicinity or at that location.

All photographs and information on this site is copyright © 2016 Bryan Penberthy unless otherwise specified. No content may be used without written permission. Any questions or comments, please email me.