Grand Turk Lighthouse rises above North Creek at the northern end of Grand Turk Island as a cast-iron beacon built in 1852 to help ships avoid the shallow offshore reef. Designed by British architect Alexander Gordon, it grew out of the island’s salt trade after navigation problems discouraged visiting vessels and hurt the economy. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and assembled on the island, it first used eight Argand oil lamps, though wrecks still occurred in poor conditions. Stronger lighting arrived in 1943, electrification followed in 1972, and the site is now protected as a historic place with its keeper’s house still standing.