Florida - Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is located on the NASA Space Center property at Cape Canaveral, FL. Its tower stands 134-feet tall and the lantern room was originally fitted with a first-order Fresnel lens. This lighthouse was built in 1868 and is made of metal plates lined with brick.

The original Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, built in 1848, was located about a mile from the one pictured above. That lighthouse was made of brick and stood 65-feet tall. Its light was provided by a series of lamps and reflectors. Years later officials determined the lighthouse was not tall enough and did not provide adequate navigational aid to mariners.

In 1868 this new lighthouse, one above, was built close by the original. After several years, due to erosion by the ocean, officials feared the newer lighthouse would eventually be destroyed. So, it was moved to its current location (pictured above) in 1894. The lighthouse was automated in 1967. The first-order Fresnel lens was removed in 1993 due to being damaged by the vibration from rockets launching. The lens was replaced by a beacon.

At the time of my visit here in 2001 this was an active light.

Florida - Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is located at Ponce Inlet, approximately 10 miles south of Daytona Beach, FL. It was built in 1887 and stands 175-feet tall. It is constructed of brick and is the tallest lighthouse in FL, and one of the tallest in the United States. Its foundation extends 12-feet below ground level. The lantern room originally housed a first-order Fresnel lens until it was replaced in 1933 by a third-order lens. Years later that lens was replaced by a modern type beacon. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1970, then in 1982 the light was re-activated.

At the time of my visit here in 2001, the light was active and the lighthouse was open daily to the public.

Florida - Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum

This lighthouse Museum is located on Gasparilla Island, FL. It was built in 1890 by the U.S. Lighthouse Service to mark the entrance into Charlotte Harbor from the Gulf of Mexico. The historic Boca Grande Lighthouse is the oldest building on Gasparilla Island and is its most recognized landmark. It is not only a working U.S. Coast Guard Light, it is also a museum of local history open to the public.

Lighthouse keepers and their families lived and worked in the lighthouse, and in an adjacent assistant lightkeeper's house from 1890 until 1951. The U.S. Coast Guard automated the light in 1956. Ten years later, in 1966, the Coast Guard removed the light from the building which was deteriorating due to neglect and beach erosion. In 1972 Lee County took over ownership of the lighthouse and surrounding 13 acres, and began a long process to save the old building.

The lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Then in 1985-86 the island property owner's association, the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association, funded total restoration of the lighthouse with help from the State of Florida and local citizens. The lighthouse was re-commissioned in 1986 as a working Coast Guard light. In 1988 the lighthouse and surrounding acreage were transferred from Lee County to the State of Florida and became Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area.

In 1989 a small group of local citizens formed the Barrier Island Parks Society, a non-profit, all volunteer citizen support organization for the state park. Ten years later the building was opened to the public as the Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum.

At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was an active light.

Florida - Boca Grande Range Light

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The Boca Grande Rear Range Light is located on Gasparilla Island along the Gulf, south of Baca Grande, FL.  It was built here in 1932 as part of a range light system. The tower is 105-feet tall, and its light flashes a white signal interrupted by a red flash. The light can be seen for 16-miles out to sea. The cylindrical tube houses a spiral staircase ascending to the lantern room. At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was an active light.

Florida - Sanibel Lighthouse

The Sanibel Lighthouse is located on the East end of Sanibel Island, FL, next to the San Carlos Bay. It was built pyramid style in 1884. The tower stands 98-feet tall and is supported by four metal legs. The cylindrical center column lacks about 20-feet from reaching to the ground. A ladder must be used to access the column. The lantern room houses a third-order Fresnel lens. Originally, the light was fueled by kerosene until 1923 when it was converted to acetylene gas. In 1949 the light was automated.

Since 1950 the U. S. Coast Guard property at the lighthouse has also been a wildlife refuge.

The significance of the Sanibel Lighthouse lies in the regular and reliable service it has provided through its years. At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was still an active light.

Florida - St Johns Light Station

The St Johns Light Station is located at Mayport Naval Air Station, Mayport, FL. It was built in 1954 and is operated by the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy Relief. At the time of my visit here in 2000, this light was active and the station was not open to the public.

Florida - St John River Lighthouse

The St John River Lighthouse is located on the south side of the entrance to Jacksonville, FL in Mayport, FL on the Mayport Naval Air Station. This is the third lighthouse to be built in this vicinity.

The first lighthouse was built in 1830, but was destroyed after five years through storms undermining its foundation. A new tower was built upriver from the original tower in 1835. This tower also was unuseable by the 1850's due to sand dunes forming between the tower and the water line, making the light hard to see by the mariners.

The above lighthouse was built of brick in 1859 at a height of 60-feet. After the Civil War, 15-feet were added to the tower and a third-order Fresnel lens installed. The lighthouse operated until 1929 when it was decommissioned after being replaced by a lightship.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, the light was inactive and the lighthouse closed to the public. Access to the Naval Air Station, to visit the lighthouse, was permitted to those with Military I.D.

Florida - Amelia Island Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located on Amelia Island, on the south side of the entrance to the Cumberland Sound and the St Mary's River in Fernandina Beach, FL. This is the only remaining intact lighthouse of the Territorial Period. The tower was originally built 50-feet high and later increased to 64-feet. Its spiral granite steps were hand-hewed in New England. In 1970 the light was automated.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, the light was under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse was not open to the public, only view from the outside.

Florida - Pensacola Lighthouse

The Pensacola Lighthouse is located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station, FL, on the Pensacola Bay.

The first lighthouse was built in 1825 and located about 1/2 mile from the one shown above. The 1825 lighthouse was the first one built by the U.S. on the Florida coast. Its light was provided by a series of lamps and reflectors. After the Civil War, a first-order Fresnel lens was installed.

In 1858 the lighthouse pictured was built to a height of 191-feet above sea level, after the old one proved to be inadequate for coastal navigation.  The beacon from its first-order Fresnel lens has a range of 27-miles out to sea. In 1869 the new keeper's dwelling was built, and the day-mark of the tower changed. The lighthouse was electrified in late 1930's. In 1939 responsibility for the tower was transferred from the Light Service to the Coast Guard, and after the light was automated in 1965 it was no longer manned.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, the first-order Fresnel lens was still operating as an active light. The keeper's dwelling was leased to the Pensacola Lighthouse Association and served as the museum.

Georgia - Tybee Island Lighthouse

The Tybee Island Lighthouse is located at the entrance of the Savannah River on Tybee Island, GA. This is the fourth lighthouse to be built on the island. This lighthouse is also known as a light station.

The first lighthouse on Tybee Island was made of wood. It stood 90-feet tall and was reported to be the tallest building of its kind in America, at that time, and was the first public structure in GA. Unfortunately, that lighthouse was constructed too close to the shore and was threatened by beach erosion. Work began on a second lighthouse just before a severe storm washed the first one away in 1741. The second lighthouse, made of stone and wood was completed in 1742. A 30-foot flag pole was added to the already 90-foot tower, making it a total of 124-feet tall. This second tower, like the first, was built too close to the Atlantic Ocean and was threatened with destruction.

In 1773, a third lighthouse was completed on a site further away from the ocean and was built of brick with interior wooden stairs and landings. The tower stood 100-feet tall. In 1857, a second-order Fresnel lens was installed in the lantern room. The light projected from the lens was brilliant. In 1861 this concerned the Confederates enough at Fort Pulaski, that volunteers were sent over to burn the wooden stairs and landings in the lighthouse, to prevent its use by approaching Federal forces. The Union troops which occupied Tybee Island repaired the damage and used the tower to watch the rebel forces at Fort Pulaski until its surrender in 1862.

A new brick and cast-iron lighthouse was authorized in 1866. The lower 60-feet of the 1773 light were used as the foundation of this fourth Tybee Lighthouse. Ninety-four feet were added and a first-order Fresnel lens installed in the lantern room. The new lighthouse was completed in 1867, and the light could be seen for over 18-miles out to sea. In 1933 the light was converted to electricity.

The Coast Guard took over operation and occupied the Tybee Light Station from 1939 until 1987 when they relocated to Cockspur Island.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, the Tybee Island Light Station was one of America's most intact Light Stations, having all of its historic support buildings still on its five acre site. The Head Keeper's and First Assistant Keeper's house originally exhibited a unique style of architecture known as the "stick style."

Georgia - St Simons Island Lighthouse

This St Simons Lighthouse is on the island of St Simons, GA. It is located in the Village at 101 12th Street.

In 1804, four acres of land was bought by the Federal Government for $1 as the site for the first lighthouse and a one-story frame residence. Originally the lighthouse was to be built of hard brick, however, for economic purposes, most of the material used in the construction was "tabby." It's a mixture of oyster shell, lime, sand, and water. The tower was 75-feet, exclusive of the lantern. An iron lantern 10-feet high and 8-feet in diameter rested on top of the tower. The lighthouse was placed into service in 1810. During the Civil War, the lighthouse was blown up by Confederate forces in 1862 to prevent use by Federal troops.

A second lighthouse was constructed in 1872, which is the present light pictured above. It is equipped with the original third-order Fresnel lens which shines 18-miles out to sea. The 104-foot tower has a cast-iron spiral staircase consisting of 129-steps to the top. The adjacent keeper's house is a unique Victorian design.

In 1939 the lighthouse was placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1953 they automated the light and the last lighthouse keeper retired.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, the keeper's dwelling was owned by Glynn County and all structures were maintained and operated by the Coastal GA Historical Society. The light was active and continued under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard. The installation was open to the public with an entry fee.

Georgia - Cockspur Island Lighthouse

The Cockspur Island Lighthouse is located on an inlet off the southern tip of Cockspur Island. It marks the south channel of the Savannah River. The tower is 46-feet high.

The first lighthouse built here in 1849 was 25-feet high. Its light was provided by a series of lanterns and reflectors until 1854 when the lighthouse was destroyed by a hurricane.

This new lighthouse was built of brick in 1856 and equipped with a fifth-order Fresnel lens. The light operated until 1909 when it was deactivated. The Coast Guard abandoned the lighthouse in 1949 as a daymark, but the National Park Service assumed control of the light in 1958 by presidential proclamation.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, a new lantern room had been installed atop the tower, brick repaired, and the tower whitewashed. The light was inactive.

South Carolina - Sullivan's Island Lighthouse

The Sullivan's Island Lighthouse is the Charleston, SC area's youngest lighthouse. It was built in 1962 to replace the Morris Island Lighthouse. Unlike most lighthouses, the Charleston light, as it is known by the locals, was built of steel and has an elevator as well as stairs to the top. The light mechanism has the potential of 28 million candlepower and it thereby capable of being one of the most powerful lights in the world. The lighthouse stands 163-feet high. It was originally painted orange and white. However, those colors were not agreeable to island residents, and the tower was repainted black and white.The light was automated in 1982 and is manned by the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse is located near historic Fort Moultrie. 

At the time of my visit here in 2000, this was an active light. Access into the lighthouse had to be obtained through the Coast Guard office in Charleston.

South Carolina - Morris Island Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located on Morris Island at Charleston, SC. The first lighthouse built in 1767 was crude and the first to be erected in Southern U.S. Acting upon a decree from King George III, a tower was built at the southern entrance to Charleston Harbor. It was destroyed during the Civil War and this new tower built. The Morris Island Lighthouse stands 161-feet high and has 201 steps leading to the top. It survived a major hurricane in 1885, and the great Charleston earthquake in 1886. At one time there was a keepers dwelling located nearby.

In 1938 the light was automated and shined until the beacon was extinguished in 1962. Its navigational role was assumed by the new lighthouse on Sullivan's Island. At the time of my visit here in 2000, the Morris Island Lighthouse was believed to still be structurally sound, despite the beating from Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Until recent years, the tower could be reached by foot at low tide from Folly Beach on James Island, SC. Because of heavy erosion, this is no longer possible.

South Carolina - Harbor Town Lighthouse

The Harbor Town Lighthouse is located on the southern tip of Hilton Head Island, SC on the Sea Pines Plantation. The lighthouse was constructed in 1970 as part of the island's Heritage Golf Tournament. It was the first lighthouse to be privately financed since 1827. The red and white tower is 93-feet high with 110 steps leading to the top. Although it is not recognized as an official lighthouse, the Harbor Town Light serves as a private navigational aid for boat travelers. At the time of my visit here in 2000, the lighthouse was open daily to the public. A small admission fee was charged to enter the gates to the private Sea Pines Plantation Resort.

South Carolina - Hilton Head Range Rear Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located on Hilton Head Island, SC. It is the remaining one-half of the range light system used as navigational aid to mariners approaching the island. Officially it is called the Hilton Head Lighthouse, and the tower is often referred to as the Leamington Light as it was originally built on the Leamington Plantation.

The first range lights built on the island in 1863 were in use for approximately 6-years before being destroyed by a severe storm. Replacement range lights were built in 1880. Originally, the front range light was set atop the keepers dwelling, but due to shifting land that light was moved multiple times to other locations. The 95-foot iron tower, pictured above, served as the rear light of the range light system. There are 112 steps to reach the top of the tower. In 1932 both range lights were decommissioned. As of the time of my visit here in 2000, the front range light no longer existed.


During WWII the island was used by the U.S. Marines for training. After they departed the island, the tower and surrounding land was later sold to Greenwood Development Corp.

During the 1980's the Palmetto Dunes Resort incorporated the lighthouse into its golf course. The lighthouse stands between the eight and ninth greens of the course. This lighthouse was restored in 1986. At the time of my visit, it was open to the public only by special permission of the management group.

South Carolina - Hunting Island Lighthouse

The Hunting Island Lighthouse is located 14-miles southeast of Beaufort, SC.

The first lighthouse on the island was built in 1859 at a height of 95-feet, but was short lived. By 1862 it was reported to have fallen into the sea. Conflicting stories make it unclear whether it was destroyed by erosion or actually blown up by the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

In 1875 a new tower was constructed of interchangeable cast-iron sections so that it could be taken apart if necessary. Due to the aggressive high tides and erosion, the tower was disassembled in 1889 and reassembled at its current site, one and a quarter miles from where the original tower was located. This lighthouse was built on a concrete foundation eight-feet thick. From the ground to the top of the tower is 140-feet, and there are 181-steps to reach the top. The tower itself is 121-feet high and the walls are lined with brick. A second-order Fresnel lens was used until its retirement in 1933.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, the light was inactive. The lighthouse was part of the Hunting Island State Park and was open daily to the public for viewing and climbing the stairs. The red brick in the foreground of my picture, outlines the foundation where the keeper's quarters was located prior to being destroyed by fire.

North Carolina - Bodie Island Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located just north of the Oregon Inlet Bridge. (Pea Island), NC. It is the third lighthouse to be built on Bodie Island. The first lighthouse was built in 1847 at a height of 54-feet. Light for the lighthouse was provided by a series of lanterns and reflectors. The foundation of that lighthouse failed after 11 years.

The second lighthouse was built in 1859 with the tower rising 80-feet and equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens. During the Civil War the lighthouse was damaged to the extent that it was inoperable and not cost effective to restore.

Construction of this third lighthouse was completed in 1872. Height of tower and lantern room is 164-feet. The lantern room houses a first-order Fresnel lens which is lit from dusk to dawn. In 1940 the light was automated. Day-marking of this lighthouse is black and white horizontal stripes. At the time of my visit here in 2000, the base of the tower was open to the public intermittently and the Keeper's Quarters was open seasonally.

North Carolina - Currituck Beach Lighthouse

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is located at Corolla, NC on Currituck Banks. This is the state's northern-most lighthouse. Construction of this 162-foot tower was completed in 1875. This lighthouse was the last brick lighthouse to be built on the Outer Banks. Unlike many other lighthouses that received distinctive day-marks, Currituck was not painted. The lantern room houses a first-order Fresnel lens. In 1939 the lens was automated which eliminated the need for keepers and their use of the keepers dwelling.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, the Fresnel lens was active and the light lit daily from dusk to dawn. The lighthouse was open to the public and one could climb the 214-steps to the top gallery/lantern room. The light and its adjacent buildings are owned by "The Outer Banks Conservationist Group", a private organization.

North Carolina - Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located on Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Outer Banks, NC. This is the second lighthouse to be built near this present location.

The original Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was built in 1803 of sandstone and stood 90-feet high near the shore line. Its light was provided by a series of lamps and reflectors. In 1852 that tower was raised to a height of 150-feet and a first-order Fresnel lens was installed in 1854 to replace the lamps and reflectors. During the civil war, the lighthouse was badly damaged, and authorities determined it would be less expensive in the long run to build a new lighthouse.

This lighthouse is built of brick and construction was completed in 1870. It towers 208-feet above the sand and is the tallest in the U.S. Its distinctive day-mark of four spirals, two black and two white, extend around the tower 1 and 1/2 times. This marking was first applied in 1873. The signal light is now provided by a duplex airport beacon. This is an active light and operates from dusk to dawn.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was relocated 2900-feet inland during the summer of 1999 due to shoreline erosion. I was able to see a time elapsed movie of that very slow and difficult move. It was amazing to see how workers moved that huge towering lighthouse without allowing it to topple. At the time of my visit here in June 2000, the lighthouse was open to the public. However, the keeper's quarters which houses a museum, exhibit area, and gift shop was not yet open to the public. Some work was still in progress as a result of moving the lighthouse. Example is the orange fence around a portion of the lighthouse and the graded landscape in the foreground of my picture.

North Carolina - Ocracoke Lighthouse

The Ocracoke Lighthouse is located in the community of Ocracoke, NC. This lighthouse, built in 1823, is the second oldest one still operating on the North Carolina coast. Since the 76-foot tower was lighted, it has been painted white. Unlike the other NC lighthouses that are much larger, this lighthouse was built for navigators to locate the Ocracoke Inlet. The original light was provided by a series of lanterns and reflectors. These were replaced in 1854 by a fourth-order Fresnel lens. It displays a "constant light" which means there is no rotation or blinking. The light operates from sunset to dawn and can be seen for 14-miles. The light is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. At the time of my visit here in 2000, the lighthouse and the keeper's quarters was closed to the public. The keeper's quarters was a private residence. Ocracoke Island could be reached from Cedar Island by a 2-1/4 hour ferry ride, or from Hatteras Island by a 40-minute ferry ride.

North Carolina - Cape Lookout Lighthouse

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is located on the southern half of Core Banks, NC. This is the second lighthouse built at Cape Lookout. The first was built in 1812 and this one in 1859. This tower is 163-feet above sea level and has 201-steps. The red brick tower at Cape Lookout became the prototypal for all lighthouses erected on the Outer Banks. It received its distinctive day-mark "diagonal checkerboard" design in 1873. The lantern room has a 15-second rotation light signal which is provided by a duplex airport type beacon. Cape Lookout's first-order Fresnel lens was removed in the 1970's, and at the time of my visit here in 2000, it was reported as in service at the Southeast Lighthouse in Block Island, RI. The light in Cape Lookout is owned and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse is closed to the public, but the keeper's quarters located near the base of the lighthouse was open seasonally.

Cape Lookout National Seashore could be reached by ferry at the time of my visit. There are no stores or places to get fresh water on the island, so water and other supplies had to be packed in. The two spots on my picture are reflection from the sun off my camera lens .

North Carolina - Oak Island Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located on Oak Island, NC. It was built in 1958 and is the Coast Guard's newest reinforced concrete tower. It stands 169-feet high. This silo-style tower was erected by using a Swedish-developed "moving slip form." Concrete was poured and once that section dried, the form was moved up to complete the next section. Colors were integrated into the concrete. The top third of the tower black, the middle third white, and the bottom third gray. It never has to be painted. The lantern gallery was set in place using a helicopter.

The foundation of the lighthouse is 70-feet down and sits on bedrock. The lighthouse is designed to sway 3-inches at the top in a 100-MPH plus wind.

The beacon in the tower is the second strongest light in the world, and has a range of 24-miles. The light produces such a powerful heat that repairmen must wear protective clothing when working in the beacon room. This lighthouse has 134-steps to the lantern room level and are not set in a spiral staircase.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, the lighthouse was not open to the public, however, photos could be taken from outside the compound.

North Carolina - Price Creek Front Range Light

The Price Creek Front Range Light is located on the west bank of the Cape Fear River, above Southport, NC. It was built in 1849 as part of a range light system. This lighthouse was built 20-feet high and is shorter in height than the second lighthouse which would be located several yards to the rear of this front light. The mariner would align his ship so it would be aligned with the front light directly in line with the rear light. This enabled the ship's captain to know he was on a safe course to enter the harbor or particular channel of water.

This lighthouse was constructed of brick, and although only 20-feet high, the walls are 3-feet thick at the bottom and taper to 2-feet thick at the top. The lantern room was originally equipped with a series of lanterns and reflectors to provide the light. In 1855 a sixth-order Fresnel lens replaced the lanterns and reflectors.

During the Civil War the lighthouse was used as a Confederates States Signal Station. The lighthouse suffered considerable damage during the war and was never refurbished.

I photographed this lighthouse in the year 2000 from across the river using a 500mm lens.

North Carolina - Bald Head Lighthouse

The Bald Head Lighthouse is located on Bald Island off the coast of Southport, NC. The first lighthouse built here in 1794 suffered severe erosion and it was replaced in 1817. Old Baldy, as it is affectionately known to the locals, is the State's oldest lighthouse. Unlike the other NC lights, Old Baldy is octagonal in shape. It stands 90-feet high and was built of brick. The exterior was plastered to provide the tower with an off-white as a day-mark. In 1855 a third-order Fresnel lens replaced the series of lanterns and reflectors previously used to provide the light.

In 1935 the lighthouse was decommissioned and later sold to a private owner in 1963. Years later, it was donated to the Old Baldy Foundation. In the early 1990's the lighthouse underwent restoration.

Bald Head Island is a private residential community which is accessible only by passenger ferry. I regret not having time to make the ferry trip when I visited here in 2000. Although the light was inactive the lighthouse was open for tours. I took this picture using a 500mm lens with 2X coupler.

Virginia - Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse

The Newport News Middle Ground Lighthouse is located at Newport News, VA. It sits at the west end of the shoal, in the middle of Hampton Roads Harbor, Chesapeake Bay. It was built in 1891 and stands 29-feet high with a 21-foot diameter base. The lighthouse exterior is made of cast-iron and the inner walls are lined with brick and it contains five levels. The fourth-order Fresnel lens was automated in 1954, and then later replaced by a beacon.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, this was still an active lighthouse. I used a 500mm lens with 2x's coupler on my camera in order to get this picture.

Virginia - Thimble Shoal Lighthouse

The Thimble Shoal Lighthouse is located 2 miles offshore on the north side of the entrance to Hampton Roads Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay.

The first lighthouse built here was lit in Oct 1872 with the light atop a small cottage. It was destroyed by fire in 1880, and quickly rebuilt by Dec of that same year, and the beacon replaced by a fourth-order Fresnel lens. Over time, after being hit multiple times by various ships during bad weather, the last event in 1909 caused the lighthouse to burn down.

In 1914 this cast-iron lighthouse was built and stands 55-feet above the water. At the time of my visit here in 2000, this was still an active lighthouse. I saw it from Fort Monroe, VA, using a 500mm lens with 2X coupler.

Virginia - New Point Comfort Lighthouse

The New Point Comfort Lighthouse is located at the southernmost tip of Mathews County, VA. It juts into the water and serves as a boundary between Chesapeake and Mobjack Bays. This lighthouse is the third oldest surviving lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay, surpassed only by those at Cape Henry and Old Point Comfort.

This lighthouse was built in 1806 and is made of sandstone with a stone spiral stairway. Overall height of the lighthouse is 58-feet and its top rises 63-feet above sea level. The original light was provided by nine lamps and reflectors. In 1855 the lamps were replaced by a fourth-order Fresnel lens.

In 1802, at a cost of $8750, the original keepers house was built. However, during the war of 1812, the British Navy occupied the lighthouse and keepers house. They burned down the keepers house before they left. After the war, a new two story keepers house was built. Then, in 1919 it was torn down after the light was automated.

In 1933, hurricanes created the channel that separates the lighthouse from the main land.

Need for the lighthouse light was replaced in 1963 by an offshore beacon. The lighthouse was then decommissioned and became a day marker. The Coast Guard was responsible for operation of the lighthouse from 1939 to 1968.

The local citizens succeeded in having this lighthouse put on the Virginia Historic register in 1972, and it was designated as a state and national landmark. I visited this stately old lighthouse in the year 2000.

Virginia - Old Point Comfort Lighthouse

The Old Point Comfort Lighthouse is located on Fort Monroe, VA. This octagonal shaped tower overlooks Hampton Roads Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. It was built in 1802 of sandstone and stands 54-feet high. It's spiral staircase is made of hand-cut stone. Several oil lanterns originally provided the light which could be seen for approximately 14 miles out to sea. Years later, the oil lanterns were replaced with a fourth-order Fresnel lens. The lighthouse is the oldest standing structure at Fort Monroe.

During the War of 1812, the tower was used as a lookout by British invasion forces while they attacked Washington.

The adjacent house was the light-keeper's quarters. It was built in 1891 to replace the original keeper's dwelling. After the lighthouse was automated in 1975, keepers discontinued occupation of the house and it became property of the Army.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, the lighthouse was still an active navigational aid and property of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Virginia - New Cape Henry Lighthouse

The New Cape Henry Lighthouse is located 357 feet south east of the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse (Off picture - right) on Fort Story, VA, Military Reservation. More specific, it sits inside the Coast Guard Compound. This lighthouse was built in 1881 of cast-iron plates and stands 165-feet tall. The second-order Fresnel lens from the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse was removed and installed in this lighthouse. Its light had a focal plane of 157-feet and could be seen for almost 19 miles out to sea. In 1984 the light was replaced and the newer beacon automated .

This lighthouse has the most distinctive day-marks of any lighthouse in the world. The checkerboard markings of the octagonal tower alternate between white and black. Half way up the tower, the pattern changes from white to black making it appear as though the top half of the tower is slightly turned and misaligned with the bottom half. At the time of my visit here in 2000, this was an active light, and the lighthouse was not open to the public.

Virginia - Old Cape Henry Lighthouse

The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse is located at the south entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. The Fort Story, VA, Military Reservation encompasses the lighthouse grounds. This lighthouse is an octangular truncated pyramid of eight sides, rising 90-feet from the ground. It sits on a hill approximately 650 yards from the beach.

The lighthouse was built of sandstone which came from the same Virginia quarries that provided material for Mount Vernon, the U.S. Capital Building, and the White House. The original staircase was built of wood but after several years it became oil soaked, a fire hazard, and deteriorated. It was replaced by a cast-iron spiral staircase. Light projection for the lantern room was originally provided by a series of lamps strategically placed in the room. Those were eventually replaced by a second-order Fresnel lens. Years later, due to vertical cracks in the walls and fear the lighthouse would fall into the sea, it was closed in 1881 after construction of a new Cape Henry Lighthouse.

Obviously, the old lighthouse never fell, and in 1930 Congress transferred deed of the old tower and 1.77 acres of land to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. At the time of my visit here in 2000, the lighthouse was open to the public and received approximately 60,000 visitors annually.

Virginia - Cape Charles Lighthouse

The Cape Charles Lighthouse is located on Smith Island, VA. It sets on the north side of the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. This is the third lighthouse to be built on Smith Island.

That first lighthouse was built in 1828 of rubble stone and stood 55-feet high. The second was built in 1864 and made of brick. Its tower stood 83-feet high. Due to erosion, the remains of both of those lighthouses are under water.

This third lighthouse was built in 1895, and it has an iron center tube which contains the stairway leading up toward the top of the 191-foot tower. The tube is supported by eight giant iron legs which are barely visible in my picture. (Click on it and enlarge.) The lantern room housed a first order Fresnel lens, however it was replaced in 1963 with a rotating beacon and then automated. This lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in the United States.

At the time of my visit here in 2000, this was an active light. Access to this lighthouse's location is not easy. Due to the distance of the lighthouse from my location at the time, I felt fortunate to get this distant and unclear picture of the lighthouse using my 500mm lens with a 2X coupler.

New Jersey - Cape May Lighthouse

The Cape May Lighthouse is located at Cape May, NJ. It was built in 1859, and is the third known lighthouse to be built at Cape May Point. The first lighthouse was built in 1823, the second in 1847. The exact locations of those first two lighthouses are uncertain as they are now under water due to erosion.

This present lighthouse tower is 157-feet 6-inches tall and has 218 steps from ground to the top, with 199 of those steps in the tower's cast iron spiral staircase. The lighthouse has two separate walls. The outside wall is cone-shaped and is 13-feet 10-inches thick at the bottom, and 1-foot 6-inches thick at the top. The inside wall is a cylinder with 8.5 inch thick walls which support the spiral staircase. The walls were designed to withstand winds several times above hurricane force.

At the time of my visit here in 1997, the Coast Guard continued to operate the light as an active aid to navigation. The lantern room originally housed a first order Fresnel lens, but it was removed after World War II. It was replaced with a beacon type light. It is visible for 24-miles out to sea and flashes every 15 seconds. Ownership of the lighthouse was transferred to the State of New Jersey in 1992.

Three keepers, one head keeper and two assistants, and their families lived in dwellings at the lighthouse site. In 1938 the light was electrified and eliminated the need for keepers stationed at the tower.

In 1941 the lighthouse was darkened until 1945 because of WWII. The Atlantic coast was on blackout due to the presence of enemy submarine's.

A personal note: This lighthouse was the first one I saw of the over 300 lighthouses I've personally seen and photographed. I make reference to this lighthouse in my soon to be published book named "The Wickie."

New Jersey - East Point Lighthouse

The East Point Lighthouse is located at the mouth of the Maurice River, near Heislerville, NJ. It was built in 1849 and stands 40-feet high. Originally, it was named the Maurice River Lighthouse. It has guided mariners into the Maurice River from Delaware Bay for over 150 years. This lighthouse is New Jersey's second oldest lighthouse, and the last working land-based NJ lighthouse on the bay. It was darkened in 1941 during World War II. The light suffered from neglect until the Marice River Society was formed to save the historic landmark. Restoration efforts by the society prompted relighting by the Coast Guard in 1980. At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was an active light.

New Jersey - Romer Shoal Lighthouse

The Romer Shoal Lighthouse is located 2 miles north of the northern tip of Sandy Hook, NJ in the New York Harbor. The first light built here in 1838 was a day beacon . The above spark plug style lighthouse was built in 1898 and stands 54-feet high. At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was an active lighthouse.

New Jersey / New York - West Bank Shoal Lighthouse

The West Bank Shoal Lighthouse sets in New York Harbor. This spark plug style lighthouse was built in 1901 of cast iron and stands 55-feet tall. At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was an active lighthouse. I took this picture from the park in Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook, NJ, using a 500mm lens with 2X coupler.

New Jersey / New York - Old Orchard Shoal Lighthouse

The Old Orchard Shoal Lighthouse was located southeast of Staten Island, New York Harbor. This spark plug style lighthouse was built in 1893 of cast iron and stood 51-feet tall. In 1955 the light was automated. At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was an active light. I took this picture from the park in Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook, NJ, using a 500mm lens with 2X coupler. Although not a quality picture, I know that I will not get a chance to take another picture.

The following information was provided by Lighthouse Friends - In Oct 2012, Hurricane Sandy completely destroyed the Old Orchard Shoal Lighthouse.

New Jersey - Sandy Hook Lighthouse

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is located on the grounds of Fort Hancock, NJ. This lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the United States. New York merchants petitioned their assembly to raise money for the light by conducting lotteries and charging tonnage taxes on ships entering NY. The lighthouse was built in 1764 and has since undergone reconstruction to ensure continued operation. The Federal Government formed the U.S. Lighthouse Service, which was later incorporated into the U.S. Coast Guard, to operate the light and all other aids to navigation on U.S. waters.

This lighthouse is 29-feet in diameter at the base and 15-feet in diameter at the top. In the lantern room is a 45,000 candlepower light which is 85-feet above the ground and can be seen for 19 miles. Sandy Hook Lighthouse is a reminder of our rich maritime history, and it is an important aid to navigation at the entrance to the New York Harbor.

Sandy Hook was registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The U.S. Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse to the National Park Service in 1996. At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was still an active lighthouse.

New Jersey - Navesink (Twinlight) Lighthouse

The Navesink (Twinlight) is located in Highlands, NJ and overlooks the entrance to the New York Bay. In 1862 two brownstone towers were built to replace the original octagonal towers built in 1828. The north tower is octagonal, and the south tower is square. These "twin" towers are 64-feet high and 320-feet apart. They are connected by an 18 room keeper's and crew dwelling. The towers are approximately 246-feet above sea level. In 1898 the north tower, octagonal, was discontinued but it was held in reserve as an emergency light.

Twin Lights holds a prominent place in American maritime history as the first lighthouse to use the Fresnel lens. In 1841 a French "first order" fixed light was placed in the south tower (square), and a "second order" revolving light in the north tower. In 1898 an enormous electric-arc bivalve lens, measuring nine feet in diameter, replaced the south tower beehive-type light. To illuminate this new lens, the Lighthouse Service built an electric generator house on site, and made Navesink Light the only shore station having a plant for electric generation. It was estimated that the candle power was 25,000,000, which made it the most powerful coastal light in the United States. The revolving light (due to the curvature of the earth) could be seen about 22 miles at sea. Its beam reported to have been observed in the sky at a distance of 70 nautical miles.

With improvement in floating aids (Lightships, Radar, etc.) the lighthouse lost some of its early importance. The south tower continued to operate until 1949 when it was changed to "Unwatched" and then discontinued in 1952. It was used as a day beacon until 1963. The light in the North Tower was taken out of service, but was re-lit in 1962 with a smaller commemorative light. At the time of my visit here in 2001, the commemorative light was still active. The lighthouse complex and grounds were owned and operated by the state of New Jersey, and part of the complex contained a museum.

New Jersey - Sea Girt Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located in Sea Girt, NJ. Its tower stands 44-feet tall. Construction was finished in 1896 and a fourth order Fresnel lens was lit. The light was operational until 1977 when it was deactivated and the lens removed. A beacon was mounted atop a steel tower on the grounds. After deactivation, the building served as a dormitory for the Coast Guard, town library and a meeting place. In 1981, responsibility for the building was taken over by the Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee. Their restoration included moving the beacon from the steel tower to the lantern room of the lighthouse. Although not considered an aid to navigation, the light is active. At the time of my visit here in 2001, signage listed the lighthouse open to the public with limited hours. It was not open the day I visited, but the beautiful sight of this old lighthouse and the surrounding area made my trip here well worth it.

New Jersey - Absecon Lighthouse

The Absecon Lighthouse is located on the south side of Absecon Inlet, Atlantic City, NJ. The lighthouse was built in 1857. It is New Jersey's tallest lighthouse at a height of 171-feet. Its spiral stairway consists of 228 steps to the top. The lighthouse was deactivated in 1933. Then in 1938, the city took over responsibility for the light and it was made operational. Although the light from the first order Fresnel lens shines each night, the light is not considered an active aid to navigation. The lighthouse became the property of the State of NJ. At the time of my visit in 2001, the Lighthouse Keeper's house was undergoing restoration, however, the lighthouse was open to the public.

New Jersey - Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built in 1874 and is located at the north end of Five Mile Beach, North Wildwood, NJ. Its purpose was to mark the entrance of the inlet for the coal trade and whalers to haul in and butcher their catches.

The lighthouse was equipped with a fourth order Fresnel lens. It was a wood frame residential design style known as "Carpenter/Swiss Gothic" or "Stick Style" making for a very picturesque but substantially built structure. It is the only one of this type on the East Coast. The tower height is 49 1/2 feet with the light elevation rising to 57-feet above sea level. The light is visible at a distance of 13 nautical miles.

The lighthouse stood firm against the onslaught of the winds, rains, and tides for 40 years at its original location. Then, in 1913 a severe storm significantly damaged the foundation requiring the lighthouse to be moved westward about 150-feet to where it now sits.

For the next 50 years the lighthouse continued in operation, but in 1964 an iron light tower, fitted with a modern automatic marine beacon, was erected behind the lighthouse. The lighthouse was closed and its entire property, including the old Coast Guard Station, was transferred to the NJ Marine Police. The lighthouse was boarded up and left to deteriorate for the next 18 years. In 1982, a lease was signed stating: "Whereby the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection turns over the stewardship of the Lighthouse to the City of North Wildwood." The city began restoration, operation and maintenance of the lighthouse. It was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1977. The modern marine beacon was removed from the iron light tower in 1986. It was placed inside the lighthouse lantern making it a fully functional aid to navigation once again.

At the time of my visit here in 2001, the light was active and maintained by the Coast Guard.

New Jersey - Barnegat Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, at the northern tip of Long Beach Island, NJ. The lighthouse is the third to be built on or near the tip of the island.

The first lighthouse was a 40-foot masonry tower constructed in 1834. It has a miserable reputation as a lighthouse. It stood until 1856 when it became inundated by the sea and finally toppled into the sea. Fortunately, the circumstances had been foreseen, and the lamps had been removed to a temporary wooden tower constructed further inland.

Construction of the present lighthouse began in 1857 and was completed in 1859. It is 163-feet tall with a red band painted around the top half of the tower and a white band around the bottom portion. Because of the similarity in size to the Absecon Lighthouse located to the south, Barnegat was given a different day marking. This helped mariners to distinguish it from its southerly comrade, which has a white tower with a wide black band painted around the middle of the tower.

The first-order flashing Fresnel Lens, the largest one installed and the last lens to operate in the Barnegat Light, was removed in 1927. This occurred after the Barnegat Lightship took up station off the Barnegat Inlet. The lens was sent to the Tompkinsville Lighthouse Depot on Staten Island, NY. Years later, in 1954, the lens was returned to the town of Barnegat Light and is on exhibit in the Barnegat Light Historical Museum.

This lighthouse is owned by the State of New Jersey. At the time of my visit here in 2001 the lighthouse was an inactive light, and normally only open to the public during the summer season.

Rhode Island - Rose Island Lighthouse

The Rose Island Lighthouse was built in 1870. It sets on a tiny knob of land, a mere 17 acres. Rose Island lies almost underneath the span of the Newport Bridge, CT, which is to the right of the lighthouse, just out of the picture. The lighthouse was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1971 and declared surplus in early 1980.

In 1985 the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation acquired the badly vandalized lighthouse and began restoration. They opened it to the public in 1992 and it later became what is now a quirky and rustic bed and breakfast Inn. It's not a spot that appears in many guidebooks, because without restaurants or shops or even running water, there's not much to do here except, relax and look at the water, bird-watch, fly kites and swim in the bay. Because the island is a protected bird-nesting area, it is off-limits to humans from spring until mid July. Except for the off-limit period, you could get to Rose Island by taking the little red Jamestown or Newport Ferry.

At the time of my visit here in 2001, this light was an active private aid to navigation. Due to its distance off-shore, the haze, and no sunshine, I used a 500mm lens to get this picture.

Connecticut - Stonington Harbor Lighthouse

The Stonington Harbor Lighthouse is located on Windmill Point, at the east side of Stonington, Harbor, CT. The first lighthouse built near here in 1823 had a 30-foot stone tower. However, due to erosion of the beach near the lighthouse it was replaced by this one in 1840 using some of the granite stones from the original lighthouse. The tower stands 35-feet tall not counting the lantern. This lighthouse was shut down in 1889, and at the time of my visit here in 2001 the light remained inactive.

Rhode Island - Watch Hill Lighthouse

The Watch Hill Lighthouse is located on the north side of the east entrance to Fishers Island Sound, Rhode Island. The first lighthouse built here in 1808 had a wooden tower and was 35-feet tall. It was replaced in 1857 by this 45-foot tower made of granite brick. At the time of my visit here in 2001, the Lighthouse Keeper's Association maintained a small museum which was open on Tuesday's and Thursday's during the months of July and August. The light was also active at that time and displayed a white flashing light every 15 seconds. I took this picture from Stonington Harbor, Connecticut using a 500mm lens with a 2X coupler. Because of where I took the picture, I mistakenly cataloged this lighthouse as a Connecticut lighthouse, when in fact it is located in Rhode Island.

Connecticut - Morgan Point Lighthouse

The Morgan Point Lighthouse is located on the west side of the mouth of the Mystic River at Noank, CT, and north of Fisher Island Sound. The first lighthouse built here in 1831 was 25-feet tall but didn't provide adequate light for the mariners. It was replaced in 1868 by this one standing 52-feet tall. It operated until 1919 when it was deactivated and then later sold to a private owner. At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was a private residence, and the light remained inactive.

Connecticut - Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse

The Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse is located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, at Old Saybrook, CT on the south end of the west jetty. This spark-plug style lighthouse was built in 1886 and stands 48-feet tall. It was constructed of cast-iron with a brick lining. The lighthouse was automated in 1959 replacing the original first order Fresnel lens. (The Lynde Point Lighthouse, which I posted last week, is not far from this one.) At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was an active lighthouse.

Connecticut - Lynde Point Lighthouse

The Lynde Point Lighthouse is located on the west side of the mouth of the Connecticut River at Old Saybrook, CT. The first lighthouse here was a 35-foot octagonal wooden tower built in 1803. Due to decay, the tower was replaced in 1839 by this 65-foot octagonal brownstone tower. The walls are five feet thick at the base. Although it was later painted white, the original red from the stone was visible in some places due to paint peeling. You will notice there are no windows showing on this side of the tower. All windows were built on the side of the tower facing the water. In 1852, a fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed to replace the ten lamps previously used to provide light. In 1890 the fourth-order lens was replaced by a fifth-order lens, and then in 1975 it was automated. Although the light was automated, the lighthouse was still manned to prevent vandalism. At the time of my visit here in 2001, this was an active lighthouse still providing aid to navigation.

Connecticut - Mystic Seaport Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located on the museum grounds at Mystic Seaport, CT. The lighthouse was built in 1966 and is a full scale replica of the 1901 Brant Point Lighthouse. It is the lowest lighthouse in New England as its light is only 26 feet above sea level. The lantern room contains a fourth-order Fresnel lens and the lighthouse is a private aid to navigation. As you can see, my photo only shows the lantern room and light of the lighthouse. I was unable to get closer in 2001 at the time of my visit there.