Located in the Atlantic Ocean about 21km south of the coast of Rhode Island, and 23 km east of Montauk Point on Long Island, Block Island (or Manisses) is a popular summer tourist destination, and hosts two historic lighthouses: Block Island North Light, on the northern tip of the island, and Block Island Southeast Light, on the southeastern side.
Block Island North Light is made of brown granite, and has an octagonal tower of 17m height, which provides a focal plane height of 19m. It contains a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which flashes white light every five seconds, and has a range of 11 nautical miles (20 km). A wind generator and solar panels provide much of the power for the building. The first light on the site was built in 1829, and the current structure is the fourth, built in 1867.
Block Island Southeast Light was built in 1874. It is a sophisticated expression of the Gothic Revival executed in brick, and was a marked contrast to earlier lighthouses, which were more functional. The main tower is 20m in height, with an octagonal granite foundation and brick exterior, which rises to a cast iron parapet and open gallery around the lantern chamber. The keeper's house is attached to the tower by a 1-1/2 story connecting wing.
About the stamps
About the first stamp, issued to celebrate the Year of the Horse, I wrote here. About the second, depicting the Purple Heart Medal, I wrote here.The last stamp is part of the series Modern Art in America: 1913-1931, about which I wrote here.
References
Block Island - Wikipedia
Block Island North Light - Wikipedia
Block Island Southeast Light - Wikipedia
Sender: Denise
Sent from Greenvale (New York / United States), on 29.01.2014
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