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Point Bolivar Lighthouse

417 Everett, Port Bolivar, TX 77650, USA

Name and Location

The Point Bolivar Lighthouse is located at 417 Everett, Port Bolivar, TX 77650, USA, situated on the westernmost tip of Galveston County's Bolivar Peninsula.

Construction and History

Built in 1872, the Point Bolivar Lighthouse has a rich history serving as a vital aid to navigation for mariners. It was constructed by Captain George T. Sinclair, a prominent engineer who oversaw its construction.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is an octagonal tower made of brick and concrete, standing at a height of approximately 50 feet (15 meters). Its original architecture features a white-painted exterior with a red-roofed lantern room, offering striking visuals against the surrounding landscape.

Light and Navigation

Initially built to guide ships through treacherous waters, the Point Bolivar Lighthouse has played a crucial role in maritime safety. It emits a distinctive light signal, characteristic of an Fl(3)W.15s pattern, which can be seen up to 17 miles (27 kilometers) away on a clear night.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and coastline. While the tower is not open to the public for climbing or exploration, the adjacent park area provides a unique opportunity to appreciate this historic landmark up close.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse's location offers stunning views of the Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, making it an ideal spot for scenic appreciation.

Anecdotes and Folklore

None available.

Technical and Operational Details

Initially operated manually, the Point Bolivar Lighthouse ceased manual operation in the early 20th century and is now operated by automated systems.

Further Information

  • * National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) - Reference Number: 77001445
  • * Wikipedia: en:Point Bolivar Light

Details

NamePoint Bolivar Lighthouse
CityPort Bolivar
CountryUsa
Coordinates29.3667856, -94.7669573
Year of construction1872
ArchitectCaptain George T. Sinclair
Construction material"brick and concrete"
Tower height15
Heritage statustrue
Accessibletrue
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Light characteristic"Fl(3)W.15s"
Light range27
Automatedtrue