Official Sites - The City of Fernandina Beach - Amelia Island Lighthouse
Fun Facts About Amelia Island Lighthouse
- The Amelia Island Lighthouse, built in 1838, is Florida's oldest lighthouse and the only one from the Territorial Period that has survived without major rebuilding.
- It was constructed using materials from the dismantled Cumberland Island Lighthouse, which was originally built in 1820.
- The lighthouse stands 64 feet tall, with a focal height of 107 feet above sea level, and its light can be seen up to 23 nautical miles away.
- In 1903, the lighthouse was equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens, which is still in use today.
- During the Civil War, the lighthouse's light was extinguished to prevent its use by Union forces, but it resumed operation after the war.
- The lighthouse property is open for public viewing on Saturdays, but access inside requires a tour reservation.
- The lighthouse is located near the northern end of Amelia Island, marking the St. Marys Entrance, which leads to the St. Marys River and Fernandina Harbor.
- It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a cherished landmark of Florida's maritime heritage.
- The lighthouse has witnessed the evolution of maritime technology, from sailing ships to modern freighters and fishing boats, while continuing to guide seafarers safely.
- The lighthouse was originally constructed on Cumberland Island in 1820 but was dismantled and rebuilt on Amelia Island in 1838 due to changes in the channel.
- Equipped with fourteen oil lamps and reflectors, the lighthouse initially produced a distinctive flashing pattern to guide ships safely.
Source https://www.fbfl.us/ and https://www.ameliaisland.com
Amelia Island Lighthouse
History of Amelia Island Lighthouse
The Amelia Island Lighthouse, located on the northern end of Amelia Island, is the oldest existing lighthouse in Florida. It has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century.
Early Beginnings
The lighthouse was originally constructed in 1820 on Cumberland Island, Georgia. However, due to changes in the channel, it was dismantled and rebuilt on Amelia Island in 1838 using the original materials.
Construction and Features
The lighthouse was built with a brick tower that originally stood 50 feet tall. In 1881, a lantern was installed, increasing its height to 64 feet. The focal height of the light is 107 feet above sea level, and it can be seen up to 23 nautical miles away.
Technological Advancements
In 1903, the lighthouse was equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens, which is still in use today. The arrival of electricity in the 1930s brought further modernization, and the lighthouse was automated in 1970.
Historical Significance
During the Civil War, the lighthouse's light was extinguished to prevent its use by Union forces. Despite the conflict, the structure remained intact and resumed operation after the war. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Present Day
Today, the Amelia Island Lighthouse is a cherished landmark and a testament to Florida's maritime heritage. It is open for public viewing on select days, and guided tours are available.
Source https://www.fbfl.us/ and https://archives.uslhs.org/
Amelia Island Lighthouse starts at 6:15min.
Keepers:
- Robert Church (1820–1829)
- Amos Latham (1829–1842)
- Capt. Edmund Richardson (1842–1848)
- George W. Walton (1848–1854)
- Horace D. Vaughan (1854–1857)
- James W. Woodland (1857–1859)
- Christopher C. Morse (1859)
- George Latham (1859 – )
- James H. Parker (1864–1868)
- Joseph H. Donnelly (1868–1873)
- Henry Swan (1873–1874)
- Henry Gage (1874–1878)
- Samuel Petty (1878–1879)
- Joseph S. Howell (1879–1880)
- Dewayne W. Suydam (1880–1891)
- Charles W. Grimm (1891–1905)
- Thomas Patrick O’Hagan (1905–1925)
- Thomas John O’Hagan (1925–1954)
- David Martin (1954–1958)
- Otho O. Brown (1958–1962)
- Louis J. Oglesby, Jr. (1962–1966)
- Otho O. Brown (1966–1970)
Amelia Island Lighthouse Keepers
After the automation of the lighthouse in 1970, individual keepers were no longer assigned. The lighthouse is now maintained by the United States Coast Guard and later by the City of Fernandina Beach.
Historical Context
The lighthouse continues to operate as an active aid to navigation, preserving its historical significance and maritime heritage. Learn more about its history here.
Maintenance and Management
Today, the lighthouse is managed by the City of Fernandina Beach, ensuring its upkeep and accessibility to the public. Discover more details here.
Content provided by www.uscg.mil and wikipedia.org