The United States General Services Administration provides beacons to nonprofit organizations, educational organizations, and other groups who care for them. GPS technology has rendered lighthouses largely obsolete, but the structures are historically significant and often popular tourist destinations. In addition to the freebies, the GSA is also auctioning lighthouses from Cleveland, Ohio (above); Fairfield, Connecticut; Long Island Sound; and elsewhere. Some of the previously sold lighthouses had been converted into private homes. From The Guardian.
GSA has been transferring ownership of the lighthouses since Congress passed the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act in 2000. About 150 beacons were passed down, about 80 were given away, and another 70 were auctioned off, raising more than $10 million.
This year, six lighthouses are being offered free of charge to federal, state, or local governments, nonprofits, educational organizations, or other organizations that wish to maintain and preserve them and make them available to the public for educational, recreational, or cultural purposes.[…]
“Some are already maintained by nonprofits, and those agencies will have the opportunity to apply to continue doing so.” [the GSA’s John] Kelly said:
If a new owner is not found, the lighthouse is offered at a competitive price.