Name and Location

The Matagorda Island Lighthouse, also known as the Port O'Connor Light, is a historic lighthouse located on Matagorda Island in Calhoun County, Texas, United States.

2. Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1847 during the mid-19th century construction era. Its construction marked the beginning of the lighthouse's rich history, which spans over a century and a half.

3. Architecture and Materials

The structure stands at an impressive 28 feet (8.5 meters) tall and has a focal height of approximately 40 feet (12 meters). The lighthouse was constructed using local materials, likely including wood and stone, and features a simple, rectangular design with a white-painted tower and a lantern room at the top.

4. Light and Navigation

The original light source was a Fresnel lens, which emitted a fixed white light with a range of approximately 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers). In the mid-20th century, the lighthouse was automated, and its light characteristic changed to a flashing white light (Fl(3)W.15s).

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Although the lighthouse is no longer operational for navigation purposes, it has been preserved as a historic landmark. Visitors can access the site through guided tours, which provide insight into its rich history and significance.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

• The lighthouse is situated on a barrier island along the Gulf Coast of Texas, surrounded by pristine beaches, marshlands, and estuaries.
• The area is known for its natural beauty, wildlife habitats, and recreational activities such as fishing and birdwatching.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

The Matagorda Island Lighthouse has played a significant role in local folklore, with stories of shipwrecks, storms, and heroic lighthouse keepers. Visitors can learn more about these tales through guided tours or self-guided exploration.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1984, with a reference number of 84001624. The managing authority responsible for the lighthouse is not specified in the available data.

9. Further Information

For more information on the Matagorda Island Lighthouse, please visit its Wikipedia page at [link].