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Lake Buchanan Lighthouse

Fl White🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Lake Buchanan Lighthouse

A square concrete tower standing 33.5 meters tall, the Lake Buchanan Lighthouse was privately built in 1984. It features a gallery and a large square observation room at its apex. The structure, with a focal height of 42.5 meters, was initially lit the same year it was built, offering a geographic range of 17.5 nautical miles. After a period of disrepair starting in 1990, it was restored and reactivated in 2006, later receiving a red and white checkerboard daymark in 2008. The property was sold in 2024 for redevelopment.

Why it matters: This private lighthouse is recognized as a notable architectural statement on Lake Buchanan, a recreational area in Central Texas, and serves as a distinctive local landmark easily visible from TX 29.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Raw Code
Fl W
Focal Height
42.5m
Geographic Range
17.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1984

Significant events: Reactivated (inactive ca. 1990-2006), repossessed by a bank in 1990, deteriorated for years, purchased by Harold Riley of Austin in 2006, Riley restored and reactivated the lighthouse, in 2008 it was repainted with the checkerboard daymark, in 2024 the property was sold for redevelopment

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Port Lavaca(158.6 km)
ARLHS No.
USA-1408

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
33.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
with the checkerboard daymark
Material
concrete

Structure: A 33.5m square concrete tower with a gallery, topped by a large square observation room, painted in a red and white checkerboard pattern.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Texas
Sea Region
Lake Buchanan, near Buchanan Dam off TX 29 about halfway between Burnet and Llano in Llano County and 60 mi (96 km) northwest of Austin
Latitude
30.7430°
Longitude
-98.4217°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Lake Buchanan Lighthouse at night?+
Lake Buchanan displays the characteristic Fl White. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Lake Buchanan Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Lake Buchanan Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Tow at 8.7 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Goldthwaite (42.1 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Lake Buchanan Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Lake Buchanan Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Lake Buchanan Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Lake Buchanan Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.