The Trials of Lighthouse Keeping
The Trials of Lighthouse Keeping Travel & Tourism In 1792 Patos Island was named Isla de Patos (Island of Ducks), by Spanish Explorers Galiano and Bazan maybe because of the many ducks which inhabited the island. Interestingly, the island was a hiding place for smugglers due to its nearness to the Canadian border and its many trees and caves. The island's first light was on Boundary Pass just opposite Canada's Saturna Island. Patos Island is at the northern entrance to the Canal de Haro. This was a very dangerous passage because of strong currents and foggy weather. In March of 1891 Congress appropriated $12,000 to erect an aid to navigation which consisted of a double dwelling, fog signal building, water tanks and a post light at the western end f the island. The actual building was completed late in 1893. Thus there was a white light on the Canadian side of the channel and a red light on a ten foot tall white stake on Pat os Island. By 1915 several improvements ...