Name and Location

The Port Pontchartrain Light Station is a historic lighthouse located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Its GPS coordinates are 30°01'32" N, 90°03'42" W.

2. Construction and History

Built in 1891, the Port Pontchartrain Light Station served as a crucial aid to navigation for mariners traversing Lake Pontchartrain and surrounding waters. The structure has undergone several renovations throughout its history, including a major restoration in the 1980s.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by its Victorian-style design, featuring a brick and stucco exterior with a central tower and attached dwelling.

4. Light and Navigation

The original light source was a third-order Fresnel lens, which emitted a white light with a range of approximately 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers). The light's characteristic pattern was Fl(3)W.15s, indicating a flashing white light every 15 seconds.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse by driving to its location on Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans. Parking is available near the site, and guided tours are offered during certain hours of the day.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of Lake Pontchartrain and the surrounding wetlands. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the lake's shoreline or take a boat tour to explore the area further.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore are available for this lighthouse.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse operated manually until its automation in the early 20th century. It is no longer an operational aid to navigation, having been disused since the 1960s.

9. Further Information

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Pontchartrain_Light_Station">Wikipedia article
• https://www.lighthousedistrict.com/port-pontchartrain-light-station">Local historical society website