Oregon Members Join to Seek New Keepers for Lighthouse

Press Release

Member's bill will transfer the Cape Arago Lighthouse to Confederated Tribes

Today, Oregon Congressional members Senators Gordon Smith, Ron Wyden and Congressmen Peter DeFazio united to advance legislation that will transfer ownership of the Cape Arago Lighthouse to the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.

"This lighthouse and the land beneath it are steeped in history," Smith said. "The lighthouse safely guided our ships for over a century, and the land remains a cultural harbor for Native Americans. Its history and cultural resources are best protected through local ownership."

"The Cape Arago lighthouse has been an enduring symbol of the Coos Bay community since its completion in 1934," said Wyden. "This transfer restores an important cultural and historical landmark for the Confederated Tribes and helps secure a piece of Oregon's history for generations to come."

"This bill will transfer to the Confederated Tribes a piece of land which has significant cultural, historic, and spiritual importance," said DeFazio. "The Coast Guard no longer needs the Cape Arago Lighthouse for navigation purposes and this will put an historic piece of land to good use while protecting and preserving its cultural significance."

The Cape Arago Lighthouse was built in 1934 and is located near Charleston on tiny Chief's Island. The Coast Guard permits the Confederated Tribes to use the site for tribal ceremonies and as a cemetery but it is closed to the public. The Tribes have sought ownership since 1991 to restore and preserve the site. The U.S. Department of the Interior maintains that the tribes do not qualify to assume ownership under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

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