Dennis Willingham of Alabama was visiting downtown Huntsville, AL when he discovered this unusual lighthouse. Being a big time fan of Lighthouse Digest Magazine, he knew we’d want a photo of this real lighthouse that stands 300 miles from the ocean.

The inscription on the plaque next to the lighthouse says, “Norwegian Light Beacon - Gift from Norway in 1973. It served as one of guiding lights to the mariner from 1903 to 1966. Being situated on the west coast of Norway at Langbakneset. It is a typical Norwegian design as seen on the west coast with the fjord.”

By the way, since fjord is not one of those words that we use every day, according to the American Heritage Dictionary o fthe English Language it means, “A long, narrow, often deep inlet from the sea between steep cliffs and slopes, found especially along the coasts of Norway and Alaska.”

Why was this lighthouse shipped from Norway to Hunstville, Alabama? Why did Norway give it to Hunstville, Alabama? If any of our readers can help us finish the rest of the story, we’d love to hear from you. Write to Editor, Lighthouse Digest, P.O. Box 1690, Wells, Maine 04090 or email-Timh@lhdigest.com