Cape Blanco Lighthouse: History, Keepers, Hughes House & Visitor Guide

Your independent guide to Oregon’s oldest lighthouse — first lit in 1870, perched 256 feet above the Pacific. Explore its history, legendary keepers, and everything you need to plan your visit.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse has stood at Oregon’s westernmost point since December 20, 1870 — making it the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the state. Built on a dramatic headland 256 feet above the Pacific, it has guided mariners through fog and storms for over 150 years. This site covers the full story: the construction, the remarkable keepers who lived here for decades, the historic Hughes House, and what you’ll find when you visit today.

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Lighthouse History

Cape Blanco Lighthouse was first lit on December 20, 1870 — making it Oregon’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse. Dive into the full story: how the Light-House Board authorized its construction in 1867, why bricks were kilned on-site, how Lt. Col. Robert Stockton Williamson engineered the tower, and what life was like on this wind-battered cape in the 19th century.

Keepers & Families

Cape Blanco’s keepers were extraordinary. James Langlois served 42 years; James Hughes served 38 years and built a family home on the cape. In 1903, Mabel E. Bretherton became Oregon’s first female lighthouse keeper right here at Cape Blanco. This section profiles the men and women whose dedication kept the light burning through some of the Pacific coast’s most brutal weather.

Visit & Explore

Cape Blanco Lighthouse is open to visitors April 1 through October 31, Wednesday through Monday, 10 am to 3:30 pm. The lighthouse sits inside Cape Blanco State Park, 4.5 miles west of Highway 101. This section covers everything you need to plan your visit: directions, parking, tour details, the Hughes House, hiking trails, and what to expect on Oregon’s wild, windswept southwest coast.

Hughes House

is one of the most well-preserved Victorian farmhouses on the entire Oregon Coast. Built in 1898 by lighthouse keeper James Hughes and his family, this Queen Anne-style home has been meticulously restored and is open to visitors alongside the lighthouse. This section explores the history of the Hughes family, the architecture and restoration of the house, and what visitors can expect when they step inside one of Cape Blanco’s most remarkable landmarks.

About

CapeBlanco.org is a dedicated informational blog about Cape Blanco Lighthouse and its surrounding heritage on the Oregon coast. We publish well-researched articles on the lighthouse’s history, the families who kept it running for generations, the Hughes House, and visitor tips for anyone traveling to Cape Blanco State Park. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government or state agency. Everything here is written for history lovers, Oregon Coast travelers, and anyone fascinated by the remarkable story behind Oregon’s oldest lighthouse.

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