As we finish the checkered year of 2020, I am heading south for this lighthouse. Even though the Gulf of Mexico coastline of Mississippi is only about 70 miles long, there's a least one lighthouse on it, as I found this one, on Round Island near Pascagoula. Here's where it is.
At least, that's where it used to be. Because of the Civil War, erosion, and hurricanes (note the plural), the Round Island lighthouse isn't on Round Island anymore. What was left of it was relocated to Pascagoula (after Round Island was incorporated into Pascagoula), and restored as a landmark in the city.
Lighthouse Friends has a long and detailed history.
Here are some highlights from the history:
Monies first appropriated in 1831 for a lighthouse, finished in 1833.
1849, occupation by a group with the intention to liberate Cuba from Spain, which didn't work.
1854, first lighthouse is getting way too close to the eroding shore, so a new one is funded in 1856 and finished in 1859.
Next year, 1860, a hurricane destroys all the auxiliary buildings, including the keeper's house.
Another hurricane in 1906, lots of damage but at least the keeper's house survived. The assistant keeper's house didn't.
Assistant keeper drowns in 1911 trying to swim out to his daughter, adrift in a skiff. No mention of what happened to the daughter.
Decommissioned in 1944, maintained by CG through 1954.
1986, Pascagoula gets Round Island. The lighthouse gets closer and closer to the water.
1998, Hurricane Georges undermines the foundation and the tower falls over.
 |
| Lighthouse down |
The plan by the Preservation Society was to rebuild the tower, but Hurricane Katrina in 2005 wrecked that plan.
2010, what was left of the tower was relocated to Pascagoula. Restoration continues for five years, and the restored lighthouse is lit on November 13, 2015, with a replica Fresnel lens.
That's quite a story.
Video of the lens and restored tower, accompanied by Hans Zimmer music:
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