Lighthouse History: The Biloxi Lighthouse was constructed in 1847 by the Murray & Hazelhurst Co. in Baltimore, MD for the cost of $1,200. The 65 foot tall, cast iron structure was shipped to Biloxi by railroad car and erected in 1848 on a brick foundation. Originally bordered by water on three sides, the lighthouse now stands 100 yards North of the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. In fact, it is the only lighthouse in the world located in the median of a four lane, divided highway (between the East and West lanes of U.S. Highway 90) along the worlds longest man-made beach. The tower is white with a black balustrade. The original optic in 1848, was a fifth order lens, which was replaced by a fourth order, in 1926. In 1867, the white tower was one of several iron lighthouses to be smeared with black coal tar as a rust retardant. This action gave birth to a popular legend that the lighthouse was painted black to mourn the death of Abraham Lincoln.

Photographer: Merle Bishop

The tower was repainted white in 1869, since the dark color made it difficult to distinguish, in the daytime, from the surrounding trees.

 Electricity was connected to the lighthouse in 1926. In 1968 it was declared surplus, deeded to the city of Biloxi and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the lighthouse is a Biloxi landmark and is one of the most recognizable objects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is currently open to the public and is operated as a private aid to navigation.

Left: Spiral Staircase Leading to the Lantern Room

Photographer: Merle Bishop

Submitted by:  Merle Bishop