During the Industrial Revolution, American and European engineers stretched out across the world to unite it through arteries of steel and wire. Though much of that network has been superseded by radio wave and fiber optic cable, some remnants linger in the most unexpected places. One great relic of the Age of Industry rises over 40 meters above the Dominican Republic coast very close to Puerto Plata Bay. Called El Faro, this cast-iron lighthouse dates back to the late 19th Century and once guided ships into the nearby harbor.

While it may stand in the Dominican Republic, El Faro, also known as the Puerto Plata Lighthouse, was designed and built by R. Deeley & Company of New York City. Lit in September of 1879, El Faro guided ships on approach to Puerto Plata up until the 1960s. When new technology rendered it obsolete, the lighthouse fell into disrepair and suffered under hurricanes, salty sea air and even the occasional cyclone.

Fortunately, the lighthouse was selected by the World Monument Fund and the Cultural Heritage Office of Puerto Plata as a location deserving of preservation work. Charitable funds were allocated and much of the lighthouse has been restored. Standing very close to the 16th century walls of the Fort of San Felipe, it is hoped El Faro will continue as an important historical marker of industrial progress and Puerto Plata’s own role in international commerce for many years to come.