Negril Point Lighthouse

In 1891, the S.S. Atlanta went ashore and became a total wreck off the port of Savanna-la-Mar. Captain Dowding of the “Canada” had reported that there was no means of making the island from the westward end on a dark night, and very frequently ships had to be slowed down until morning. The loss of the “Atlanta” which meant some £37,000 would have been impossible if there had been proper light on the point. The government of the day then thought the matter worthy of their consideration and communicated with the Director of Public Works, who estimated the cost of erection of a lighthouse for the area at £5,060 and an annual expenditure of £552. The Council approved the sum; and in 1894, a lighthouse was erected at South Negril Point. The Negril Lighthouse was lit for the first time on July 22, 1895. A brass plaque at the base of the lighthouse states that it was built by the French engineering firm Barbier and Benard.
On request, the lighthouse keeper will unlock the door into the concrete base of the tower and allow sightseers to climb the steep steps to the top. On the way up, the original kerosene lamps used from 1895 until acetylene gas lamps were installed in 1956 can be seen standing ready for an emergency (Langford, 1993). From the gallery at the top, the view of the ocean and the surrounding area is breathtaking.

The Negril Lighthouse is in good condition and is located on its original site.