The California Lighthouse, known by locals as stands tall on a limestone plateau at Hudishibana, near Arashi Beach and Sasariwichi dunes on the northwestern tip of Aruba. It holds the distinction of being the tallest structure in Aruba. This lighthouse derives its name from a British steamship, S.S. California, which sank in 1891, predating the lighthouse's construction (–1916). The lighthouse was specifically erected to prevent similar tragedies. In May 2016, the lighthouse underwent a restoration, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its completion.
Overview
The surrounding terrain resembles that of the moon, characterized by jagged rocks protruding from ground. As a result, navigating the area without sturdy footwear can be challenging.
Adjacent to the lighthouse, there's a restaurant called La Trattoria el Faro Blanco [EN: The Trattoria the White Lighthouse Restaurant]. Additionally, in close proximity, to the Tierra del Sol Resort, Spa & Country Club.
History
S.S. California
The S.S. California wreck, situated on the northeast coast of Aruba, lies at a maximum depth of . This area is known for its strong currents. The wreck, a wooden British steamship of the West India and Pacific Steamship Company, sank just off the shores of the lighthouse on September 23, 1891, while sailing from Liverpool to the Americas. Typically, this steamship usually transported fruits from South America to Aruba, but on that fateful night, it was loaded with merchandise, including clothing, provisions, and furniture. Due to various circumstances, the merchandise was tossed overboard and ended washing ashore. The local collected the merchandise with the intention of selling it at the market. Two police officers were called in from Curaçao to prevent the locals from collecting the merchandise. As they made their way to Noord, the officers were met with laughter from the locals, who found their search for a "place" amusing. Unbeknownst to the officers, they were unaware that "California" referred to the name of a ship and not a specific location. That's how the lighthouse came to be known as "California". Years later, many schoolchildren still wore so-called "drowned goods".
As time passed, the wreck has disintegrated, resulting in scattered fragments throughout the area. To reach the wreck, one must travel by boat. The surroundings of the wreck are adorned coral formations, and it is home to a diverse array of coral fish, creating a captivating underwater environment.
It is important to note that the S.S. California is often mistaken for the S.S. Californian, a different ship that infamously declined to come to the rescue of the Titanic during its tragic maiden voyage in 1912. The sinking of the California occurred 21 years earlier in the Caribbean, where it remains as a submerged relic.
Infrastructure
In 1915, the only road in Noord was the one in front of the St Ann's Church. There were no direct roads leading to the lighthouse. Instead, there was a single path specifically for donkeys or horses that led to the Hudishibana area. In order to construct the lighthouse at that time, they needed to rent donkeys from a local family named Figaroa who resided in Noord. Construction tools, materials, and cargo had to be transported by donkey from a harbor in Oranjestad to the westernmost point of the island.
Lighthouse keepers
The first lighthouse keeper was a young man from Curaçao named Jacob Jacobs. Jacobs had learned the profession of a lighthouse keeper at another lighthouse on the small island of Klein Curaçao.
Federico Fingal from Aruba was the last person, in 1962, to watch over the California Lighthouse. Nowadays, the lighthouse is a monument preserved by the government of the Netherlands and Aruba.
The lighthouse keepers had weekly rotating shifts and took turns residing in the double service house. The area must have been serene and isolated as there were no other houses nearby during that time. According to some Arubans, there were rumors that it used to be haunted at night. Presently, the service house has been integrated into the restaurant that is connected to it.