Point Bolivar Lighthouse

Infobox_lighthouse

---

caption = Port Bolivar Lighthouse
location = Point Bolivar
coordinates = coord|29|21|59.8|N|94|46|1.85|W|region:US_type:landmark
yearlit = 1855
automated =
yeardeactivated = 1933
foundation =
construction = brick covered with
cast iron sheets
shape = round
height = 116 ft (35 m)
lens = Fresnel lens

Point Bolivar Light is an historic lighthouse in Port Bolivar, Texas, that was built in 1872. It served for 61 years before being retired in 1933, when its function was replaced by a different light.

The current lighthouse is at least the second structure at the site. The first lighthouse was built in the mid 1850s and was pulled down during the Civil War so that Union warships could not use it as a navigational aid.

During the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the lighthouse served as a shelter for at least 125 people, saving their lives. It also survived another hurricane, in 1915, where winds of 126 miles per hour were recorded. The first lighthouse keeper, H.C. Claiborne, retired in 1918, after witnessing those two storms, and was replaced by a Captain J. Brooks. In 1947 the lighthouse was sold and, although still standing, is not open to the public.

The lighthouse is adjacent to the Houston Audubon Society's Horseshoe Marsh Bird Sanctuary.

The lighthouse was reported to have been destroyed by Hurricane Ike in September 2008. However, later eyewitness investigation found the structure appeared, at least from the air, unharmed. [http://ktrk.typepad.com/abc13/2008/09/bolivar-lightho.html ABC News affiliate station KTRK]

References

External links

* [http://www.crystalbeach.com/light.htm A tribute to the lighthouse]
* [http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=152 Bolivar Point, TX]
*Handbook of Texas|id=BB/ccb3|name=Bolivar Lighthouse
* [http://www.lighthouseshop.com/feat_arch/bolivar.html Lighthouse Monthly]
* [http://www.houstonaudubon.org/ Houston Audubon Society]