St. Augustine - St. Augustine, FL

Photographer: Keith W. Churill

St. Augustine

Anastasia Island, FL

Built: 1824 / 1874

Construction: Brick, Conical

Status: Active (white, flashing)

Height: 165 feet

Location: Just Southeast of St. Augustine, FL on Anastasia Island at entrance to the St. Augustine Inlet.

Access: From downtown St. Augustine on FL A1A head East and cross the Bridge of Lions. Follow to Busam St. and turn left. Turn Right on Lighthouse Ave. and follow to the lighthouse.

Photographer: Keith W. Churill

Lens: This First Order fixed/flashing Fresnel lens was first lighted on October 15, 1874

Click Image to Enlarge

Lighthouse History: Initially a sixteenth century limestone watchtower and guardhouse were located on the North end of Anastasia Island. This was built as early as 1673 by Spanish Colonists. In 1823, the federal government granted $5,000 for the watchtower to be converted to a lighthouse. This was just after Spain ceded Florida to the United States. During 1823, the walls were strengthened and a soapstone deck was added along with the lantern.

In 1848, the lantern was raised ten feet to extend the visible distance of the lighthouse. In 1852, another 12 feet were added but it still blended in with the city lights of St. Augustine. In 1855, a revolving Fourth Order Fresnel lens and larger lantern were added.

In the 1860's the land around the lighthouse was beginning to erode away. On August 22, 1880 the lighthouse collapsed from the shoreline erosion, despite being protected by coquina jetties.

Prior to the collapse of the original lighthouse, five acres of land were purchased nearby. In 1871, construction of the new light station began, supervised by Hezekiah H. Pittee the United States Lighthouse Bureau superintendent of construction of the the Atlantic Coast. A small support building at the base of the new lighthouse was completed later that same year. The light tower itself was not completed until 1874 followed by construction of the red brick Keeper's Quarters.

In 1898, the Spanish-American War started. St. Augustine politicians were in fear of an attack by the Spanish Navy. A telephone line, code flags, marine glasses and signal books were given to the Keepers to warn in case of an attack. Fortunately their fear never came true.

Photographer: Nickolas Churill

In 1936, the lighthouse received an electric lamp. The speed of the lens revolution was also increased. As a result of the new light, the Second Assistant Keeper position was no longer needed.

In 1939 the U.S. Coast Guard took control of the lighthouse. During World War II the U.S. Coast Guard defense team was on station. During that time the lamps wattage (candlepower) was reduced to help protect the American Ships from Submarine attack.

The last Keeper of the light was James L. Pippin. He retired from his position in July of 1955.

The lighthouse is still operated by the U.S. Coast Guard as an active aid-to-navigation for the entrance to St. Augustine Inlet.

Museum Contact:

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, 81 Lighthouse Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084

ph# (904) 829-0745