Sand Island Light
SW of Fort Morgan off Mobile Point, Fort Morgan, ALConstructed in 1875, Sand Island Light is the older of the two remaining lighthouses in the state and is the third to have been erected orTthis 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 forth order light.
Between 1867 and 1873, three separate appropriations totaling $175,000 were approved for the construction of the light, a keepers 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 1, 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 keepers 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 keepers 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 keepers 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 keepers house was burned.
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 forth order light.
Between 1867 and 1873, three separate appropriations totaling $175,000 were approved for the construction of the light, a keepers 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 1, 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 keepers 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 keepers 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 keepers 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 keepers house was burned.
Bibliography
Annual Reports of Lighthouse Service, Records of Lighthouse Service, Records of National Coast Guard, Record Group 26, National Archives.
Owen, T. M. History of Alabama, and Dictionary of Alabama Biography. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1921.
Ryan, Tony. Interview, August, 1975. (Last Keeper of the Sand Island Light)
Owen, T. M. History of Alabama, and Dictionary of Alabama Biography. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1921.
Ryan, Tony. Interview, August, 1975. (Last Keeper of the Sand Island Light)
Transportation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The city of Huntsville, Alabama played a key role in the United States space program during the Cold War. The Redstone Arsenal, located in Huntsville, was the site of the development of the first ballistic missile, and later became the center of the U.S. Army's missile and rocket programs.
About Baldwin County
Baldwin County Timeline
Baldwin County, AL, located on the Gulf Coast, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Creek, Choctaw, and Chickasaw, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their livelihoods.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and claimed it as part of their territory. They established settlements and missions, but their presence was short-lived as the French, British, and eventually the United States asserted control over the region. The county is named after Abraham Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia who signed the U.S. Constitution.
During the 19th century, Baldwin County became an important hub for shipping and commerce due to its strategic location and access to waterways. The towns of Daphne, Fairhope, and Bay Minette thrived as trading centers, attracting settlers from various backgrounds and cultures. The county also played a significant role in the Civil War, with some areas supporting the Confederacy and others remaining Unionist.
In the early 20th century, Baldwin County experienced a period of economic growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the region brought new opportunities, and agriculture, particularly the growth of timber and citrus, continued to be important industries. The county also became a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and charming towns.
Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant and growing community. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, experiencing a boom in residential and commercial development. The county's rich history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and residents alike, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and claimed it as part of their territory. They established settlements and missions, but their presence was short-lived as the French, British, and eventually the United States asserted control over the region. The county is named after Abraham Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia who signed the U.S. Constitution.
During the 19th century, Baldwin County became an important hub for shipping and commerce due to its strategic location and access to waterways. The towns of Daphne, Fairhope, and Bay Minette thrived as trading centers, attracting settlers from various backgrounds and cultures. The county also played a significant role in the Civil War, with some areas supporting the Confederacy and others remaining Unionist.
In the early 20th century, Baldwin County experienced a period of economic growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the region brought new opportunities, and agriculture, particularly the growth of timber and citrus, continued to be important industries. The county also became a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and charming towns.
Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant and growing community. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, experiencing a boom in residential and commercial development. The county's rich history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and residents alike, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Baldwin County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Baldwin County, Alabama.
- 1800 - Baldwin County was established on December 21.
- 1809 - The county seat was established in Blakeley.
- 1868 - The county seat was moved to Daphne.
- 1901 - The county seat was moved to Bay Minette.
- 1907 - The first Baldwin County Courthouse was built in Bay Minette.
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage in the county.
- 2010 - The population of Baldwin County exceeded 180,000 residents.