Unmanned Beacons

Unmanned Beacons explores the fascinating history of lighthouse automation, a technological shift that transformed maritime navigation and profoundly impacted coastal communities. The book examines how these once-vital structures transitioned from manned posts to automated beacons, highlighting the technological advancements that made this possible and the subsequent displacement of lighthouse keepers. One intriguing fact is the early adoption of electric lights and remote monitoring systems, paving the way for fully automated systems controlled by sophisticated computer technology. The book delves into the human cost of this progress, detailing the stories of those whose livelihoods were tied to these isolated towers and the ripple effects felt by the communities that supported them. It reveals how automation, while improving safety and efficiency at sea, also reshaped coastal landscapes and maritime culture. Unmanned Beacons unfolds across chapters that first introduce the world of the traditional lighthouse keeper, then chart the development of automation technologies, and finally, explore the consequences of this technological displacement, all while maintaining a balance between technical analysis and human-centered stories.