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Cape Saint George Light

2B E Gulf Beach Dr, St George Island, FL 32328, USA

Name and Location

The Cape Saint George Light is located on St. George Island, Florida, USA.

Construction and History

The Cape Saint George Light was constructed in 1852, making it one of the oldest lighthouses on the Gulf Coast. Originally designed to serve as a beacon for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the light has been guiding mariners for over 160 years. The original height of the light was 23 meters (76 feet), but it was reduced by 1 meter (3 feet) in 1922 due to concerns about its stability.

Architecture and Materials

The Cape Saint George Light is an impressive example of mid-19th-century architecture, with a sturdy white-painted tower that rises above the surrounding landscape. The lighthouse is constructed from local materials, including brick and stone, and features a distinctive octagonal shape.

Light and Navigation

The Cape Saint George Light has a unique light characteristic, featuring a Fl(3)W.15s pattern, which means it flashes three times every 15 seconds. The light's original color was yellow, but it was changed to white in the early 20th century.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Cape Saint George Light is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, seven days a week. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the Gulf Coast and learn about the lighthouse's rich history through guided tours.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf Coast from the top of the tower.

Technical and Operational Details

The Cape Saint George Light has been operated by the United States Coast Guard since its construction in 1852. In 1993, the lighthouse was decommissioned, and a solar-powered aid to navigation (AtoN) system was installed on site.

Further Information

Details

NameCape Saint George Light
CitySt. George Island
CountryUsa
Coordinates29.6630263, -84.8627025
Websitehttps://www.stgeorgelight.org/
Year of construction1852
Eventsdecommissioned and a solar-powered aid to navigation (AtoN) system was installed on site
Historic significanceoldest lighthouse on the Gulf Coast
Storiesships navigating the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Mexico
Architectural stylemid-19th-century
Construction materialbrick, stone
Focal height23.1
Tower height22
Renovations[object Object]
Access descriptionby car, 7 days a week
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky coast
View descriptionpanoramic views of the Gulf Coast
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiestoilets, gift shop
Opening hours9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, 7 days a week
AIS Radarfalse
Light characteristicFl(3)W.15s
Automatedfalse