Anastasia in St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Lighthouse and Keepers House

Lighthouse built 1871-1874, House built 1876

Photographed By James R. Murray, April 24, 2017

1. Lighthouse and Keepers House Marker

Inscription. The St. Augustine Lighthouse began as a Spanish watchtower and is St. Augustine’s oldest brick structure. Rare proof exists of African Americans on site during its construction. The 1876 house includes an uncommon coquina basement that stored supplies delivered by steamship until 1927. Six Coastguardsmen stood watch during WWII. In 1970, fire devastated the dwelling. Fortunately, a determined Junior Service League restored the house, tower, and Fresnel lens. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime museum, a non-profit, accepted ownership and responsibility for the light itself from the US Coast Guard in 2002. Today, it is a private aid to navigation. The remains of many shipwrecks validate this beacon’s purpose on an everchanging coastline.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.

Location. 29° 53.136′ N, 81° 17.29′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is in Anastasia. Marker can be reached from Lighthouse Avenue near Carver

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Street East, on the left when traveling south. Marker is on the front of the museum building in the complex. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81 Lighthouse Avenue, Saint Augustine FL 32080, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. World War II (a few steps from this marker); 1888 Outdoor Kitchens (within shouting distance of this marker); 1886 Well (within shouting distance of this marker); 1872 North Privy (within shouting distance of this marker); 1872 South Privy (within shouting distance of this marker); Sentinels of the Coast (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Watchtower and Lighthouse (about 600 feet away); St. Augustine on Anastasia Island (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Keepers' House

Also see . . . St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. (Submitted on May 4, 2017.)

Photographed By James R. Murray, April 24, 2017

2. Lighthouse and Keepers House Marker

Location of marker in front of the museum building

St. Augustine Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 17, 2014

3. St. Augustine Lighthouse

St. Augustine Lighthouse Keepers' House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 17, 2014

4. St. Augustine Lighthouse Keepers' House

Standing Tall & Shining Bright (<i>interpretive panel inside lighthouse</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 17, 2014

5. Standing Tall & Shining Bright (interpretive panel inside lighthouse)

In 1874, mariners entering St. Augustine's harbor were guided by a different and more powerful light. A new tower had been completed on October 15, making 1999 the 125th anniversary of the current St. Augustine Lighthouse. Although there has been a lighthouse in St. Augustine since 1824, erosion created the need for a new tower. Construction of the current lighthouse started in 1871 using Civil War Reconstruction funds. Made of Alabama brick, Pennsylvania iron, and Georgia granite, it took three years to complete the lighthouse. The first order Fresnel lens was finally lit on October 15, 1874.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2017, by James R. Murray of Elkton, Florida. This page has been viewed 593 times since then and 50 times this year. Last updated on November 30, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2017, by James R. Murray of Elkton, Florida. 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 30, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.