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St. Mark’s Lighthouse – In St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge

At the end of the drive through St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge sits St. Mark’s Lighthouse.  This 65-foot lighthouse was completed in 1830, but the customs inspector refused the tower because the contract called for solid walls, and the first lighthouse was built with hollow walls.  It was rebuilt and was commissioned in 1831.

St. Mark’s Lighthouse

The problem with the solid walls was that moisture wasn’t allowed to evaporate and cracks appeared as the tower settled.  Iron straps on the outside held it together like hoops around barrel staves.

Hidden by the Trees

In 1837, a 10-foot tidal wave washed away all the buildings around the lighthouse except the keeper’s quarters and drowned 8 people.  In 1837 the lighthouse was determined to be “in a most wretched condition…and ought to be rebuilt immediately”.  It was rebuilt, with hollow walls, in its present location in 1842.

St. Mark’s Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters

However, more disaster was to come.  A hurricane demolished the keeper’s quarters, but the tower survived.  However, 13 people were killed.

Looking Out to Sea

During the Civil War, confederate soldiers used the lighthouse as a lookout.  After the war, the tower was repaired and the height raised to 73 feet.  Twenty keepers kept the light burning, except for the Civil War years.  One of the keepers was African American, and two were women!  The pay for keepers was a whopping $400 - $640 per year!

Guiding Light

Modern times have come to the lighthouse.  In 1960, the light was automated, ending the need for keepers.  In 2000, the electric light was turned off and an exterior solar powered white light blinking every 4 seconds, was installed.

Enjoy!