US Lighthouse Service

The U.S. Lighthouse Service, established in 1852, was a government agency responsible for building, maintaining, and operating lighthouses and navigational aids along U.S. coasts and inland waterways. Its purpose was to ensure safe navigation for mariners by providing visible signals that mark dangerous areas, channels, and ports. In 1939, it was merged into the Coast Guard, which continues to oversee maritime safety and navigational aids today. The Lighthouse Service played a vital role in facilitating safe commerce and maritime travel before modern electronic navigation systems.