Beacon
a signal fire; a bale fire; a light placed on an eminence to announce the approach of an enemy, and arouse up the country. Beacon fires are of great combustibles. Intelligence was quickly conveyed in this manner. a A beacon is also an erection placed at the entrance of a bar, river, or harbor, to indicate dangerous navigation, as sunken rocks, sand banks, etc. Vessels anchored in certain places, exhibiting lights at night, are called floating beacons, floating lights, or lightships.
BEACON, city of New York, created in 1913 by the consolidation of Fishkill Landing and Matteawan, in Dutchess co. There is a hospital, a public library, and several academies. The industries include the manufacture of hats, tools, machinery, etc. Beacon was the first city in the State to adopt the commission form of government. Pop. (1910) 10,629; (1920) 10,996.
BEACONSFIELD