Port Isabel in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
A View from the Top
Courtesy of Thomas P. Martin
1. A View from the Top Marker
The sturdy lighthouse tower at Point Isabel has survived war damage, coastal storms and years of abandonment. Built in 1853 on the grounds of a military depot left after the war with Mexico, the lighthouse was also a strategic prize for Confederate and Federal troops during the American Civil War. During the last half of the 19th century, its light projected fifteen miles out to sea to help guide ships to the safety of the Brazos Santiago harbor. Since 1952, it has been the focal point of a state park. It stands today as a well-known landmark for the recreational industry in Port Isabel.
Before you make the climb
The gallery of the Port Isabel lighthouse offers a grand view of the city of Port Isabel, Laguna Madre, Padre Island and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. But please be aware of the physical requirements of the climb. The spiral stair has 47 steps, with an additional 14 stair/ladder steps to the gallery level; there are another 8 into the lantern itself. The stairways and ladder are narrow, and we recommend single-file access for safety. Please keep small children close at hand and under control. Visitors with health or mobility problems and those who suffer from dizziness, fear of heights or enclosed spaces should proceed with caution.
Captions
(Top)
this page online
(Bottom) A cross-section drawing shows the spiral stairway and the small interior rooms of the lighthouse.
Erected by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 26° 4.674′ N, 97° 12.433′ W. Marker was in Port Isabel, Texas, in Cameron County. It could be reached from East Queen Isabella Boulevard, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 421 E Queen Isabella Blvd, Port Isabel TX 78578, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in South Texas. It was also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it was in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Landmark on the Point (a few steps from this marker); Old Point Isabel Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); Point Isabel Lighthouse (a few steps from this
Courtesy of Thomas P. Martin, May 25, 2014
2. A View from the Top Marker
Arrow points to the marker, which is behind the porch.
Photographed by James Hulse, November 25, 2024
3. Marker has been replaced with new different marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 396 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on September 30, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on November 26, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
