Located at NAS Pensacola Florida, this lighthouse stands 171 feet high and 191 feet from sea level to the focal plane. The lighthouse was built in 1857 to replace the first light built on the Gulf Coast and the second one in Florida (1824). The cost to build it, including the living quarters was $55,000.00

The color signature for the lighthouse dates to the mid 1870s with the lower third painted white and upper two-thirds painted black. It is repainted every five years.

Its 344 prism lens is a first order Frensel Lens set in a beehive design. Using a 1000 watt bulb and flashing every 20 seconds it can be seen 27 miles into the Gulf of Mexico.

The day the Civil War broke out (April 12, 1861) with the attack on Fort Sumter, the occupying confederate forces "turned out" the light. They were concerned that it would be used by Union Naval Forces to resupply Ft. Pickens, approximately one mile across the Pensacola Bay.

During the war, Union forces at Ft. Pickens bombarded the occupying Confederate troops. Consequently, the lighthouse was struck numerous times. However, since solid shot was used, it suffered little damage.

The lighthouse is an active aid to navigation and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. The former keeper's quarters houses the Naval Air Station's Command Display Center. The lighthouse is available for tours on Sundays between the hours of 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. during the summer months. The climb to the top is via 177 stairs.

Last update: 03/08/03