Talk:Watts Island Light

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Note on sources[edit]

Online sources claim that this light was built in 1867. This does not appear to be correct, as conical masonry towers were not being built at such a late date. I have chosen to go with de Gast's history. Mangoe 04:46, 23 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I think you are correct. Dave Rebecca 19:33, 25 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I don't understand "as conical masonry towers were not being built at such a late date [1867]". I can cite many, as late as The Graves Light in 1905. I'm certainly not expert on Virginia Lights, but it seems to me that I'd rather accept "Historic Light Station Information and Photography: Virginia" (PDF). United States Coast Guard Historian's Office. than a second level source.. . . . Jim . . . . Jameslwoodward (talk • contribs) 15:02, 26 December 2009 (UTC)[reply]

What I meant was that such towers weren't being built in that area; the last such built in Maryland before 1867 was lit in 1836. In any case Donahoo could not have built anything at such a late date. It should also be kept in mind that the USCG pages are constructed the same way as private sources, by volunteer researchers. They often record data that other sources do not, and their pictures are public domain; but as authorities on disputed points they are on a par with our other standard references. Mangoe (talk) 19:17, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]