Angleton in Brazoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Brazos Lighthouse
Photographed By Chris Kneupper
1. The Brazos Lighthouse Marker
This structure is the turret from the Brazos Lighthouse erected near the mouth of the Brazos River in 1895-1896 to aid navigation through the newly constructed jetties into the river. Light originally came from an oil lamp producing 35,000 candlepower. By 1967 it was determined that the old lighthouse, now electrified and producing two million candlepower, was no longer needed. The property was acquired by Dow Chemical Company, the lighthouse dismantled, and this historic turret and its prismatic lens was donated to the Brazoria County Historical Museum.
Erected by Brazoria County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 29° 10.13′ N, 95° 25.908′ W. Marker is in Angleton, Texas, in Brazoria County. Marker can be reached from North Velasco Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Angleton TX 77515, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1895 Brazoria County Courthouse Column (a few steps from this marker); Robert J. Calder (a few steps from this marker); Old Brazoria County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Sugar Kettle
this page online
Regarding The Brazos Lighthouse.
The U. S. Lighthouse Board established the Brazos Lighthouse in 1896 just upstream of old Velasco at the first bend of the river, such that the light aligned with the centerline of the river channel as it met the Gulf. The agency was renamed the U. S. Lighthouse Service in 1910, and merged into the Coast Guard in 1939. The Brazos Lighthouse was operated until 1954, but existed until 1967 when it was dismantled, so at some point in its history, it was administered by all of these agencies. The top turret (without Fresnel lens windows) was relocated in the early 1980's to the courthouse grounds to become this gazebo-like memorial. A small pulpit-like stand holds the inscribed metal plate marker.
Photographed By Chris Kneupper
2. The Brazos Lighthouse Marker
Thin brass or copper plate was etched with an image of the old lighthouse, but it is now suffering from the elements.
Photographed By Chris Kneupper
3. The Brazos Lighthouse Marker
Photographed By Chris Kneupper
4. The Brazos Lighthouse Marker
View of inside floor of turret, showing a granite disk inscribed with names of contributors.
Photographed By Chris Kneupper
5. The Brazos Lighthouse
Old postcard showing entire Brazos Lighthouse and its ground station (Courtesy of Brazoria County Historical Museum).
Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2021, by Chris Kneupper of Brazoria, Texas. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 14, 2021, by Chris Kneupper of Brazoria, Texas. 4. submitted on May 15, 2021, by Chris Kneupper of Brazoria, Texas. 5. submitted on May 14, 2021, by Chris Kneupper of Brazoria, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
