Faro de Puerto Ferro, Isla de Vieques, Vieques, Vieques Municipio, PR

Significance: Puerto Ferro Light was established in 1896 as an octagonal tower on top of a rectangular dwelling. Its primary characteristics were a 5th order white flashing light every 5 seconds and a 12 mile range. The evidence is not clear as to lens and lantern manufacturer since it might have been either a 5th order lenticular Sautter & Cie. (USLHS #510 ?) lens with 37.5 cm. in diameter or a 1899 lenticular Barbier & Bernard 5th order lens also with the same diameter. The available information for each lens differs considerably. The Sautter lens had 4 panels; 2 flashing panels; 4 panels above the central drum and 5 prisms in each panel above the central drum and 3 prisms below. The 1899 Barbier lens had one panel in the apparatus, 3 elements in the central drum and 6 prisms on each panel above the central drum. The light was reflected by a silver plated metallic parabolic reflector. The entire lens revolved on a mercury float. The system was activated by a clockwork. The clock cord had a 200 lb. weight that dropped through the center column in the tower's cast-iron stairway.
Survey number: HAER PR-22
Building/structure dates: 1896 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1926 Subsequent Work