Biloxi Lighthouse facts for kids
The Biloxi Lighthouse is a famous lighthouse located in Biloxi, Mississippi. It stands right next to the Mississippi Sound, which is part of the Gulf of Mexico. This special lighthouse has been looked after by women keepers for more years than any other lighthouse in the United States! It became a recognized historical place, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, in 1973. Later, in 1987, it was named a Mississippi Landmark.
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Building the Lighthouse
On March 3, 1847, the United States Congress approved $12,000 to build a lighthouse in Biloxi. The United States Department of the Treasury then made a contract on October 15, 1847. They hired a company called Murray and Hazlehurst from Baltimore to build an iron lighthouse for $6,347. The house for the lighthouse keeper was a separate project.
The land for the lighthouse was bought by the Collector in Mobile, Alabama. The lighthouse tower was finished and started working in 1848. The tower was about 45 feet tall from its base to the top lantern room. It used nine lamps to shine its light. The very first person to keep the light working was Marcellus J. Howard.
Lighthouse in Action
Early Keepers and Challenges
Mary Reynolds became the lighthouse keeper on April 11, 1854. She had a large family of children who had lost their parents. She got this job thanks to Governor Albert Gallatin Brown. Mary Reynolds continued to work as keeper until the U.S. Civil War began.
In 1856, the light was "refitted," meaning it was updated and improved. In 1860, a big hurricane hit the coast. Many lighthouses were damaged, but the Biloxi Lighthouse stayed strong. Keeper Reynolds reported that she kept the light burning even during the storm. She said she "faithfully performed the duties of Light Keeper in storm and sunshine." She even climbed the tower during and after the storm, when others were afraid.
During that 1860 storm, some sand under the lighthouse washed away. This made the lighthouse lean to one side. To fix this, more sand was later removed from the opposite side to make it stand straight again. On June 18, 1861, local leaders ordered the light to be turned off. It was repaired and started working again by November 15, 1866. At that time, the tower was painted with coal tar to stop it from rusting. Some people thought it was painted black to show sadness for President Abraham Lincoln, but that was not true.
The Younghans Family
Perry Younghans became the keeper on November 14, 1866. However, he soon became sick. His wife, Maria Younghans, took over and kept the light shining. When Mr. Younghans passed away, Mrs. Younghans was officially appointed keeper on December 6, 1867.
In 1868, the tower was painted white. It almost fell during another hurricane that year. In 1880, the old keeper's house was torn down and a new one was built. A strong hurricane on October 1, 1893, washed away the seawall and threatened the tower. The New Orleans Daily Picayune newspaper reported on October 21, 1893, that Mrs. Younghans, the brave woman in charge, kept the light on throughout the storm. This was amazing because her living room had several feet of water in it!
In 1898, a telephone cable was laid by Reese Hutchinson. This cable connected the Biloxi Lighthouse to the Ship Island Lighthouse. This happened at the start of the Spanish–American War.
In 1916, another hurricane damaged the light. The wharf (a pier for boats) and the boathouse were destroyed by a storm the next year. Maria Younghans retired on December 31, 1918. Her daughter, Miranda, then took over as keeper and stayed until 1929. The Younghans family had taken care of the lighthouse for a total of 63 years! After Miranda, W. B. Thompson became the new keeper.
In 1926, the lighthouse station got electricity, making it easier to power the light.
Modern History and Restoration
In April 1960, the beach near the lighthouse was the site of a "wade-in" protest. People walked into the water to protest against the unfair separation of people on Mississippi's beaches. In 2010, a historical marker was placed at the lighthouse to remember this important event for civil rights.
In 1969, Hurricane Camille destroyed the keeper's house.
Today, the City of Biloxi owns the tower. It is used as a private aid to navigation, helping boats find their way.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused damage to the lighthouse. It was restored with a special re-lighting ceremony on February 19, 2010. The restoration cost over $400,000. Repairs included new wiring, fixing the bricks inside, adding outside lights, and restoring the decorative fence around it.
