This abandoned Lighthouse sits at the mouth of Mobile Bay AL
Sand Island Light, Fort Morgan Alabama
Constructed in 1873, Sand Island Light is the oldest of the two remaining lighthouses in the state and is the third to have been erected on this location. A light at Sand Island has marked the entrance to Mobile Bay and the Mobile Ship Channel since 1838. This was the second navigational aid erected for the entrance to the port of Mobile, a light having been established at Mobile Point in 1822.
The first light was replaced in 1858 by a white light shown 152 feet above water from a brick tower. This light was destroyed by Confederate forces in 1862 to prevent its use as a lookout by Union forces, and was temporarily replaced by a small wooden tower with a fourth order light.
Between 1867 and 1873, three separate appropriations totaling $175,000 were approved for the construction of the light, a keeper's dwelling, and the range beacons used in connection with the light. Actual construction began in 1872 and the structure along with the keepers dwelling was completed the following year. The light was first exhibited on the night of September 1st, 1873.
The island, originally 400 acres, had been eroding and by 1873 was reduced to less than 100. The erosion continued at a rapid pace and between 1873 and 1902 the keeper's dwelling was twice removed to more stable ground and several thousand tons of rock were placed around the island and tower. During the hurricane of 1906 the keeper's house was destroyed, the assistant keeper and his wife drowned, and the tower damaged. Much of the lantern glass had to be replaced, a new keeper's house constructed and the entrance to the tower relocated.
In 1947 the light was fully automated and in 1966 the 60,000 candle power beam was dimmed to 8,000 when the new Mobile Point Light took over. The light was extinguished and the structure abandoned in 1971 and the lens was removed to the nearby Fort Morgan Museum. In 1973 the keeper's house was burned.
Site Description
The Sand Island Light is located approximately three miles southerly from Mobile Point. Originally located on a low-lying island of 400 acres, the light stands surrounded by water and massive stones placed to halt the erosion of the island.
The tower, which is influenced by the Italianate style, is a 132-foot conical masonry structure that tapers from a width of 40 feet at the base to 17 or 18 feet at the top. It rests on a foundation consisting of a double course of sill timbers resting on one hundred seventy-one piles overlaid with 12 feet of concrete.
The original entrance was located on the south side but in 1906 this entrance was bricked up and a new door was cut on the north side about 30 feet above ground level. Stairs leading from the keeper's house gave access to the door.
The base of the tower is a polygon and is well-defined by two courses of granite molding. Four windows pierce the wall of the structure and are located on the north and south sides. The window casings are of granite taken from the earlier lighthouse.
Inside an iron circular stairway is bolted to the brick wall and contains seven landings which are semi-circular in shape. The stairs lead to the watch room which contains a door on the western side leading out onto the balcony encircling the tower. Large brackets are bolted to the wall and support the metal flooring of the balcony. Windows are interspaced between the brackets which have drop finials. Above the watch room is the glass lens room which is topped with a conical copper roof.
The Fresnel lens, which has been removed, was constructed by Barier and Fenestri in Paris in 1871. Since the construction of the tower, several different systems were used for lighting. Originally lard oil lamps were used but were replaced in 1833 by mineral oil lamps. In 1912 an incandescent oil vapor lamp of 17,000 candlepower visible 18 miles at sea was installed and later replaced in 1947 by four nine-inch 1000-watt bulbs when the light was automated.
