“a post-Katrina symbol of the city’s resolve and resilience”
The Biloxi Lighthouse was erected in 1848 and was one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South. It is the city’s signature landmark and has become a post-Katrina symbol of the city’s resolve and resilience. The light was civilian operated from 1848 to 1939, and is notable for its several female lightkeepers, including Maria Younghans, who tended the light for 53 years. In 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the light’s operation. After being declared surplus property in 1968, the Biloxi Lighthouse was deeded to the City of Biloxi, which eventually opened it to public tours. The lighthouse has withstood many storms over the years. Katrina’s storm surge enveloped a third of the 64-foot tall lighthouse, and the constant pounding from the water and winds toppled many bricks that lined the interior of the cast iron tower. The storm’s winds also broke many of the windows in the light cupola and destroyed the structure’s electrical system In March 2010, the city re-opened the lighthouse to public tours after a 14-month, $400,000 restoration that was funded by FEMA and MEMA and completed by Biloxi contractor J.O. Collins.
Unfortunately, the surrounding area is populated with a large and rowdy population of homeless men. The Biloxi Pier is a covered shelter for inebriated hobos, whom you practically have to step over to reach the end of the pier. Panhandlers are persistent and aggressive. The bum-to-tourist ratio on the day we visited was about 8:1.
it was beautiful the day we were there, July 2017, & we got many great shots of the lighthouse. I have been to many, but never saw one in the middle of the highway before! Worth a stop, and the visitors center across the street had some useful information and great artwork displayed. Would definitely recommend, and there's a nice park across the street from the center.
The lighthouse is in the middle of the road but you can actually go in. The guest services office is a beautiful structure located next to it. If you go to Biloxi you should drop by for a quick visit.
The Biloxi Lighthouse was constructed in 1848 and was originally known as the “Old Ship Island Light.” The lighthouse was later renamed the “Biloxi Lighthouse” in honor of its location.
The lighthouse has been extensively renovated and restored over the years, and it is now open to the public. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the Gulf Coast.
We think a visit here is one of the best things to do in Biloxi!
Cool place to stop, it was a quick look at the lighthouse, it’s pinned between two streets, then we dipped our toes in the gulf. A nice little place to stop for that and there’s a pier right there too
Pretty but you can't get close and it's in the middle of the road.
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Biloxi Lighthouse
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