Cape St. George Lighthouse, Little St. George Island Florida
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- Florida
- Lighthouse
In 1833, a tower at Cape St. George, near the entrance to Apalachicola Bay went into service. This tower was rebuilt in 1847, damaged by destructive winds in 1851, and replaced by the present tower which was erected in 1852. Although damaged by rebels during the Civil War, the tower was repaired and continues to serve as an operative light.
The method of construction on the present tower differed from the former towers, the foundations of which were only 18 inches deep. Need for a stronger and deeper foundation was finally recognized when the 1852 structure was planned and constructed. The present foundation and structure has endured the elements of damaging winds and seas for over 170 years, and its continual service to the present time places it among the most significant structures of its type.
Site Description
The Cape St. George Lighthouse, built in 1852, is a white brick conical tower located at the southernmost point of Little St. George Island which is situated at the west end of St. George Island in Franklin County, Florida. The Island lies between Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico off the northwestern coast of Florida. Unlike the former towers which occupied the site and were subsequently destroyed, the St. George Lighthouse rests on pilings due to the need for a deeper and stronger foundation. Tower height is 70 feet; diameters of the base and top are 25 feet and 12 feet, respectively. Wall thickness at the base is four feet and uniformly graduated to two feet at the top. A soapstone deck, five inches thick, has a diameter of 14 1/2 feet. On one side of the deck is a 24 x 20 inch scuttle which permits entry to the lantern. The door to the lantern is a copper-covered iron frame. Interior and exterior walls of the tower are laid in hydraulic cement (a mixture of lime and clay which hardens under water). Six windows, containing twelve 8 x 10 inch lights, are reinforced by strong frames and iron bars over each. The tower door is 6 by 3 feet, and comprised of double-inch boards cross nailed with sturdy hinges, lock and latch. The ground floor is paved with brick. A circular stair leads from the ground floor to within six feet of the lantern. From the top of the stairs to the entrance of the lantern is an iron ladder with steps 2 1/2 inches wide.
In constructing the lantern, the contractor, Mr. E. Boytien, utilized some of the materials remaining from the former tower. French plate glass was used in reglazing the old lanterns. Lantern posts were set five feet into the stone and secured with anchors.
During the late 1930's or early 1940's the light was converted from kerosene to dry cell batteries (Edison type SY 301). This lighthouse is maintained and serviced regularly by the U.S. Coast Guard, and continues to function to the present time. Its light extends for a distance of 14 miles.
The entire Lighthouse Reservation originally included the following buildings in addition to the tower, a single-story wood frame dwelling built in 1880; a two-story brick dwelling; several small outbuildings erected between 1890 and 1939 which served as pump house, stable, storeroom, oil storage, privy, and generator building. Also on the site were several under-ground cisterns. In 1961, these structures were destroyed by fire.
