Beacons of Preservation
Four Florida lighthouses stand watch through the changing tides of war, trade, and tourism
Our spotlight on lighthouses continues, with a focus on four in Florida photographed by the amazing Robert Clark. From St. Augustine to Key West, read about four that still stand watch during the changing tides of war, trade, and tourism.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
St. Augustine, Florida
staugustinelighthouse.org
The history of the St. Augustine Lighthouse begins in 1589, when Spanish watchtowers on Anastasia Island were first documented as coastal sentinels protecting the harbor. Those early beacons established a tradition of coastal navigation that eventually led to Florida’s first lighthouse. The current 165-foot tower was constructed with Alabama brick and Philadelphia iron between 1871 and 1874 after erosion threatened the previous lighthouse. Since then, it has guided mariners through changing eras of trade, tourism, and wartime defense.
Today, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum preserves the tower, its original Fresnel lens, and thousands of historical artifacts while conducting archaeological research, educational programs, and ongoing restoration to protect the site for future generations.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
