Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Norwegian Light Beacon And Fog Bell
The light beacon served as one of the guiding lights to the mariner from 1903 to 1966 being situated on the west coast of Norway at Langbakneset. It is typical of some 1800 beacons which have been erected on the rugged Norwegian coast with all its fjords and islands.
The first beacons of this type were put in 1883. In the year 1973 Norway still uses about 1300 of these "oil light beacons." For practical reasons the oil burner is now being replaced by an electric light source or acetylen gas burner, needing little attention compared to the old oil burner type installation which required refueling every week. Refueling was usually carried out by the local fisherman engaged as a tender.
The fog bell was in operation at Aksdalesnes near Stavanger from 1929 to 1964, and the tower is a copy of that used for some 15 land based fog bells on the Norwegian coast. The first of these were put up more than hundred years ago. Sailing vessels with their relatively slow speed made use of this type of fog signal, but modern ships require more efficient fog signals for their navigation.
Erected 1973 by City of Huntsville.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Environment • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1973.
Location. 34° 43.647′ N, 86° 35.299′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Alabama, in Madison County. Marker can be reached from Williams Avenue Southwest west of Church Street Southwest. Marker is located in the center of Big Spring Park near the Huntsville Museum of Art. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Huntsville AL 35801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Water's Journey to You (within shouting distance of this marker); Huntsville (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); History at Its Source (about 600 feet away); Thrasher Memorial Fountain (about 600 feet away); Making the Water Work (about 700 feet away); Where Does the Spring Water Go? (about 800 feet away); Original Site of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (approx. 0.2 miles away); Northern Terminus Indian Creek Canal (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,559 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on July 15, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.