The National Archives has custody of nearly 5,000 lighthouse drawings dating from 1793 to 1964. While the majority are utilitarian line drawings and details sheets, there are a number of very handsome artistic elevations and perspective views in pencil, ink, and watercolor. This collection features some of the best—colorful renderings of lighthouses and keeper’s dwellings, sections and plans, decorative details, site plans of the lighthouse stations and depots, and maps of surrounding vicinities.