About This Attraction
The need for lighthouses along coastlines to warn ships of danger was recognized during the 19th century. Prior to electricity, gas or paraffin lights and mirrors were used. East London had Castle Point Lighthouse, built of wood and situated on the west bank at the mouth of the Buffalo River.
By the 1890s East London was one of the fastest growing ports in the Cape and the existing lighthouse was inadequate. The Hood Point Lighthouse was built, and the light was first lit on 4th June1895, visible for 31 sea miles. That same year the Castle Point Lighthouse was pulled down.