Pascagoula in Jackson County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Round Island Lighthouse
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 22, 2017
1. Round Island Lighthouse Marker
Inscription.
Round Island Lighthouse. . The Round Island Lighthouse was built on the barrier island of the same name located off the mouth of the Pascagoula River. Replacing an earlier structure built in the 1830's, the lighthouse was completed in 1859 for a cost of $7,130.97. The lighthouse was built of brick and fitted with an oil lamp that used a Fresnel lens to concentrate the light, giving it a visibility of 12 to 14 miles. Round Island also included living quarters for a lighthouse keeper. This person was responsible for tending and caring for the lighthouse; such as trimming the lamp wicks, replenishing fuel, winding clock works and performing regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning the lenses and windows. Round Island Lighthouse operated contstantly until the mid-1940's, except for a period during the Civil War when the light was darkened. Deeded to the city of Pascagoula in 1986, the tower toppled during Hurricane Georges in 1998 when the foundation was undermined. Repairs were underway when Hurricane Katrina hit and scattered the lighthouse materials. Plans were then made to relocate the structure to Pascagoula for the restoration project that is currently underway.
The Round Island Lighthouse was built on the barrier island of the same name located off the mouth of the Pascagoula River. Replacing an earlier structure built in the 1830's, the lighthouse was completed in 1859 for a cost of $7,130.97. The lighthouse was built of brick and fitted with an oil lamp that used a Fresnel lens to concentrate the light, giving it a visibility of 12 to 14 miles. Round Island also included living quarters for a lighthouse keeper. This person was responsible for tending and caring for the lighthouse; such as trimming the lamp wicks, replenishing fuel, winding clock works and performing regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning the lenses and windows. Round Island Lighthouse operated contstantly until the mid-1940's, except
for a period during the Civil War when the light was darkened. Deeded to the city of Pascagoula in 1986, the tower toppled during Hurricane Georges in 1998 when the foundation was undermined. Repairs were underway when Hurricane Katrina hit and scattered the lighthouse materials. Plans were then made to relocate the structure to Pascagoula for the restoration project that
is currently underway.
Erected 2012 by Jackson County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters
Location. 30° 22.235′ N, 88° 33.363′ W. Marker is in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in Jackson County. Marker can be reached from Cypress Street west of Pascagoula Street. Located near the Round Island Lighthouse ticket building. There is no parking available in the immediate vicinity of the lighthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Cypress Street, Pascagoula MS 39567, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Marker can be seen to the right of the small tree, in the little garden area.
Two other later markers, also name Round Island Lighthouse, can be seen on the left.
. Erected as part of the Jackson County Bicentennial (1812 - 2012). The restoration mentioned on this marker has been completed.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 22, 2017
3. Round Island Lighthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on March 29, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 255 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 29, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
