Coquille River Light, Bandon Oregon

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In 1889, the town of Bandon was founded and duly recorded, partially due to its advantageous siting at the mouth of the Coquille River. However, the old channel exhibited dangerous, rock-filled conditions. As a result, channel improvements and a lighthouse provided a safer situation and encouraged the growth of the water transportation industry. The establishment of a Coast Guard Station in the early 1900s also encouraged navigation. The Coquille River Lighthouse operated and enabled Bandon Beach to grow until 1939 when the lighthouse succumbed to an automated light on the south jetty. In 1963 the lighthouse and 34 acres of surrounding land were leased by the Federal Government to the State of Oregon as a park.

Although the light leaves much to be desired as a significant architectural structure, it did serve as a nucleus for water transportation and commerce in the early history of Bandon and vicinity and is one of the last remaining signs left of the period before the disastrous fire which swept through Bandon in 1936. Of eight extant lighthouses on the Oregon Coast, the Coquille River Light was the last to be constructed.

Site Description

The lighthouse has a relatively simple exterior due to the lack of detail and the small scale of the complex. The only indications of an architectural style are found in the facade and the floor plan. The window and door lintels resemble a stilted segmental arch, a main characteristic of the High Victorian Italianate style. The floor plan, although not a regular octagon, reflects the influence of the Octagon Mode. Neither of these features are significant enough to be an outstanding example of the two styles, however, they provide a little insight into the period of construction, 1896.

The two elements, the tower, and the mechanical room, consist of stuccoed brick masonry walls. The iron cupola and circular stairs of the tower provide the focal point of the lighthouse, however, weathering has deteriorated them beyond replacement. Due to the structure's unaltered condition, approximately $22,000 of restoration work exists. The State of Oregon has expressed a willingness to participate in a joint program with the Federal Government for refurbishment of the complex.

Detached one-tenth mile distant from the light was a double keepers' dwelling and a barn, both of which have since been destroyed.

(1974)

(1974)

(1974)

(1974)