Name and Location

The Pensacola Lighthouse is an iconic maritime aid to navigation located in Pensacola, Florida, United States.

Construction and History

The Pensacola Lighthouse was built in 1859 to serve as a guiding light for mariners navigating the Gulf Coast. The original lighthouse was constructed on a hill overlooking Pensacola Bay, with a height of 125 feet (38 meters). Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of a new first-order Fresnel lens in 1859.

Architecture and Materials

The Pensacola Lighthouse features a distinctive white tower with a red lantern room at its top. The tower is constructed from brick and stone, with a spiral staircase leading to the lantern room. The original Fresnel lens was replaced in 1978 with a more modern optic system.

Light and Navigation

The Pensacola Lighthouse serves as an active aid to navigation, providing a guiding light for mariners entering or leaving Pensacola Bay. The lighthouse is powered by electricity and features a unique flash characteristic of Fl (3) W 15s, which means it flashes three times every 15 seconds.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the Pensacola Lighthouse by climbing the 177 steps to the top of the tower. The lighthouse offers stunning views of Pensacola Bay and the surrounding area. Visitors can also explore the adjacent museum, which features exhibits on the history of the lighthouse and maritime navigation.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Pensacola Lighthouse is located on a hill overlooking Pensacola Bay, with surrounding areas featuring coastal wetlands, beach, and dunes.

Technical and Operational Details

The Pensacola Lighthouse was automated in the 1970s, replacing its original manual operation with an automated system controlled from the Coast Guard's Aids to Navigation Office in Miami.

Further Information

• National Naval Aviation Museum
• Fort Pickens