Macquarie Lighthouse
13 July 1816

On Thursday last, notwithstanding the severity of the weather, His EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR and Staff accompanied bv His HONOR the LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, the JUDGE ADVOCATE, & Capt GILL, the principal Engineer, proceeded to the South Head,where (everv thing being in readiness for the occasion) His EXCELLENCY was pleased to lay the foundation stone of a most useful building, intended for the several purposes of a Signal and Light house, and a Guard house and Barrack for a small military detachment The centre of this building we understand, is to be raised 65 feet above the level of the eminence on which it is placed, and will form a square pyramidal tower; on the top of which a light is to be placed for the direction of vessels approaching the coast, which, from its elevation, will be seen at an immense distance at sea, and be an object handsome to behold from the Town of Sydney. The wings of the building are to form the Guard house and Barrack.

Huge blocks of excellent stone are prepared for this edifice, and afford the strongest assurance that it will prove a permanent security for all vessels that may approach the coast.

To this building, which opens the prospect of a monument for future ages to contemplate with pride, His EXCELLENCY gave the name of "Macquarie Tower" and when considered with a view to the commercial interests and foreign intercourse of this Colony, it cannot fail of proving a most valuable and important acquisition.

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Provenance
Sydney Gazette 13 July 1816 p.2a.

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