St. Johns - Mayport, FL

Photograph by: Keith W. Churill

St. Johns River

Mayport, FL

Built: 1830, 1835, 1859

Construction: Conical, brick

Status: Inactive

Height: 65 feet (1830, 1835) 63 feet (1859)

Location: Northwest corner of the Mayport Naval Air Station.

Access: From South side, in Mayport, FL on Northbound FL1A1 (Mayport Road), follow onto FL 101 (Main Street) continuing to the Naval Air Station Security Office. They will then guide you to the Lighthouse after checking in.

If coming from the North side car ferry, once exiting the car ferry continue along Broad St. to the lighthouse. A pass-through fence, with no restrictions, is located right near the lighthouse.

Lighthouse History: In 1564, Mayport was first settled along the St. Johns River by French explorer Jean Ribault. The Spaniards who followed referred to the area as Rio de Corrientes (River of Currents) because of the strong tidal flow at the river's mouth.

In the 1820's, Jacksonville was beginning to be developed as a major deepwater port. Citizens petitioned congress in 1822 and again 1827 for a navigational beacon to be constructed. Both went unanswered.

Congress finally granted the funds for the construction of a lighthouse in May of 1828. A location was selected very close to the entrance of the river. Isaac Alexander supervised the construction of a 65 feet, conical brick tower. The tower was "plastered with Roman cement". The "Beehive" type lantern housed fifteen whale-oil lamps that were first lit in the spring of 1830.

Being constructed so close to the entrance, tidal action washing the shoreline away caused the tower to lean extensively. Washington Administrators requested the removal of the lamps and reflectors. They also instructed Keeper Roque Leonardy to hire a crew to dismantle the lighthouse tower.

Treasury Auditor Stephen Pleasonton presented the situation to Congress requesting funds for construction of a new tower further up-river. With approval, the new lighthouse was operational by the winter of 1835 with Keeper John Warren servicing the light.

The lighthouse served for twenty years while shifting sand dunes eventually caused the light to be obscured by passing ships. The keeper's house was also being buried by these sand dunes. The lighthouse was taken out of service in 1859 when the third lighthouse went into service.

The third lighthouse was constructed a few hundred yards Southwest of the second lighthouse. This lighthouse was constructed at 63 feet tall for a total of $15,000. In 1887, it was proposed to add a new iron lantern that would increase the lens focal plane by 15 feet but instead trees blocking the light were removed by their owners.

In 1912, a brighter and more efficient oil vapor lamp was installed. This was to be followed by the installation of electricity in the 1920's.

In 1929, the St. Johns Lightship went into service. Located 7 miles offshore, it eliminated the need for the St. johns Lighthouse, thus it was decommissioned.

Now out of service, the light still stands at the Northwest corner of Mayport Naval Air Station. During construction of the runway, nearly 20 feet of the lighthouse was buried.

Area Attractions: This Lighthouse can be visited and toured. The Naval Air Station is sometimes closed to the public so it is suggested to call ahead. For more information contact the Public Affairs Office, naval Air Station, Box 280032, Mayport, FL 32228-0032 Ph# (904) 270-5226