In past times, the American lighthouse was an invaluable guide to navigation. It could show dangerous waters, treacherous shores, and, at the very least, give a sailor his or her position in the water.



What are these mystical towers? What makes them tick?



This guide, though hardly comprehensive, illustrates through photos the history of some of the lighthouses on the East Coast, though eventually later editions will cover Canada, the Great Lakes, and the Pacific Coast.