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Coordinates: 30°12′46″N 88°57′58″W / 30.2127°N 88.9661°W / 30.2127; -88.9661
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{{Infobox lighthouse
{{orphan|date=February 2010}}
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| name = Ship Island Light

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| image = Shipisland1886lighthouse.JPG
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{{Infobox lighthouse
| name= Ship Island Light
| caption = 1892 photograph of Ship Island Light (USCG)
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| location = [[Ship Island (Mississippi)|Ship Island]] west of [[Fort Massachusetts (Mississippi)|Fort Massachusetts]]
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| image_name = Shipisland1886lighthouse.JPG
| coordinates = {{coord|30.2127|N|88.9661|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| caption = 1892 photograph of Ship Island Light (USCG)
| yearbuilt = 1853 (first tower)<br>1886 (second tower)<ref name="USCG">{{cite uscghist|MS|accessdate=2009-02-26}}</ref>
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| location = [[Ship Island (Mississippi)|Ship Island]] west of [[Fort Massachusetts]]
| latd = 30.2127 | latNS = N
| yearlit =
| automated = 1950<ref name="USCG"/>
| longd = 88.9661 | longEW = W
| yeardeactivated = 1964<ref name="USCG"/>
| coordinates_type = type:landmark
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| foundation =
| coordinates_display = title
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| construction = brick (first tower)<br>wood frame (second tower)<ref name="USCG"/>
| coordinates_footnotes =
| yearbuilt = 1853 (first tower)<br>1886 (second tower)<ref name="USCG">{{cite uscghist|MS|accessdate=2009-02-26}}</ref>
| shape = [[Frustum]] of a [[Cone (geometry)|cone]] (first tower)<br>[[pyramid]]al (second tower)<ref name="USCG"/>
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| marking = White with black lantern<ref name="USCG"/>
| yearlit =
| automated = 1950<ref name="USCG"/>
| height = {{convert|30|ft}}<ref name="USCG"/>
| yeardeactivated = 1964<ref name="USCG"/>
| focalheight = {{convert|76|ft}}<ref name="USCG"/>
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| lens = Fourth-order [[Fresnel lens]]<ref name="USCG"/>
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| foundation =
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| currentlens =
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| construction = brick (first tower)<br>wood frame (second tower)<ref name="USCG"/>
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| intensity =
| shape = [[Frustrum]] of a [[Cone (geometry)|Cone]] (first tower)<br>[[pyramidal]] (second tower)<ref name="USCG"/>
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| range =
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| marking = White w/black lantern<ref name="USCG"/>
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| characteristic = varied
| height = {{convert|30|ft|m}}<ref name="USCG"/>
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| admiralty =
| elevation = {{convert|76|ft|m}}<ref name="USCG"/>
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| lens = fourth-order [[Fresnel lens]]<ref name="USCG"/>
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| currentlens =
⚫
| intensity =
⚫
| range =
⚫
| characteristic = varied
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| admiralty =
| NGA =
| ARLHS =
| USCG =
}}
}}
'''Ship Island Light''' was a lighthouse in Mississippi near [[Gulfport, Mississippi|Gulfport]].
'''Ship Island Light''' was a lighthouse in [[Mississippi]] near [[Gulfport, Mississippi|Gulfport]].


==History==
==History==
The first tower at this site was constructed in 1853; though appropriations were made starting in 1848; disputes over land ownership delayed acquisition of the land.<ref name="USCG"/><ref name="LHF">{{cite web|url=http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=648|title = Ship Island LIghthouse, Mississippi| publisher= LighthouseFriends|accessdate = 2009-03-17}}</ref> This tower was built of brick and was initially equipped with a multiple lamp and reflector system; three years later, it was upgraded to a fourth-order [[Fresnel lens]].<ref name="LHF"/>
The first tower at this site was constructed in 1853; though appropriations were made starting in 1848; disputes over land ownership delayed acquisition of the land.<ref name="USCG"/><ref name="LHF">{{cite web|url=http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=648|title = Ship Island Lighthouse, Mississippi| publisher= LighthouseFriends|accessdate = 2009-03-17}}</ref> This tower was built of brick and was initially equipped with a multiple lamp and reflector system; three years later, it was upgraded to a fourth-order [[Fresnel lens]].<ref name="LHF"/>


[[Image:Shipisland1853lighthouse.JPG|thumb|left|undated photograph of the 1853 tower (USCG)]]
[[Image:Shipisland1853lighthouse.JPG|thumb|left|undated photograph of the 1853 tower (USCG)]]
In January 1861 at the beginning of the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] confederate forces seized the island, including the incomplete fortifications and the lighthouse. When they abandoned the fort in September, they removed the lighthouse lens and set the interior on fire. Union forces occupied the island shortly thereafter and restored it to operation in November 1862, using a captured lens and lantern.<ref name="LHF"/> The light was blacked out to the north to prevent its use by blockade runners approaching from the mainland.
In January 1861 at the beginning of the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] confederate forces seized the island, including the incomplete fortifications and the lighthouse. When they abandoned the fort in September, they stole the lighthouse lens and set the interior on fire. Union forces occupied the island shortly thereafter and restored it to operation in November 1862, using a different lens and lantern captured previously.<ref name="LHF"/> The light was blacked out to the north to prevent its use by blockade runners approaching from the mainland.


The characteristic of the light was changed from fixed white to fixed red in 1880. Over time, the tower began to lean conspicuously. In 1886 it was condemned as unsafe and it finally collapsed in 1901.
⚫
By this time the tower had begun to lean conspicuously, and in 1886 it was condemned as unsafe, and a new tower was erected about 300 feet away. This tower was constructed entirely of wood and was originally an open framework, though it was soon sheathed in siding. Wood frame keeper's houses were constructed to either side of it. The characteristic of the light had been changed from fixed white to fixed red in 1880. During this era the light was tended by one Dan McColl, who had lost a leg in a railroad accident.<ref name="LHF"/> The old tower collapsed in 1901. Three years previous, a set of range lights had been erected to mark one section of the channel out of [[Gulfport, Mississippi]]; it was considered that the labor of climbing three towers was too much too expect of McColl, and he was transferred to [[Cat Island Light]], a nearby [[screw-pile lighthouse]], where he served until he died in 1904. The rear light of the range stood on a short open wood tower, a short distance from the main tower.


⚫
After condemnation, a new tower was erected about {{convert|300|ft}} away, constructed entirely of wood as an open framework, though it was soon sheathed in siding. Wood-frame keeper's houses were constructed to either side of it. During this era the light was tended by Dan McColl, who had lost a leg in a railroad accident.<ref name="LHF"/> A set of range lights were erected to mark one section of the channel out of [[Gulfport, Mississippi]]; the rear light of the range stood on a short open wood tower, a short distance from the main tower. It was then determined that the labor of climbing three towers was too much too expect of McColl, and he was transferred to [[Cat Island Light]], a nearby [[screw-pile lighthouse]], where he served until he died in 1904.
Automation came to the light in 1950. By this time the character of the island had changed considerably. In the 1800s and early 1900s the island served as a port of entry due to the deepwater harbor behind it; besides the fort, there was a quarantine station, and the island was at times a popular destination for tourists. The importance of these facilities declined, and in 1934 most facilities on the island were deeded through act of congress to an [[American Legion]] post; the lighthouse, however, was excluded at the Coast Guard's insistence.<ref name="LHF"/><ref name="LHD">{{cite journal
⚫
| title = Ship Island Light Rebuilt
| journal = [[Lighthouse Digest]]
| publisher = Lighthouse Depot
| date = May 2000
| url = http://www.lighthousedepot.com/lite_digest.asp?action=get_article&sk=743&bhcd2=1246546400
| accessdate = 2009-07-02}}</ref> In 1959, however, the Coast Guard granted a special-use permit to a Philip M. Duvic "for private use and general recreational purposes" for the lighthouse. In the following few years Duvic renovated the lighthouse and converted the interior into a sort of cabin. In 1964 the light was deactivated, and the following year it was put up for sale, and Duvic (the sole bidder) was able to purchase it for $2560. A stipulation of the sale was that the structure had to be removed within ninety days of the sale; however, this stipulation was never enforced and the tower remained in place.<ref name="LHF"/>


In the 1800s and early 1900s the island served as a port of entry due to the deep water harbor behind it; besides the fort, there was a quarantine station, and the island was at times a popular destination for tourists. The importance of these facilities declined, and in 1934 most facilities on the island were deeded through act of Congress to an [[American Legion]] post; the lighthouse, however, was excluded at the Coast Guard's insistence.<ref name="LHF"/><ref name="LHD">{{cite journal | title = Ship Island Light Rebuilt | journal = [[Lighthouse Digest]] | publisher = Lighthouse Depot | date = May 2000 | url = http://www.lighthousedepot.com/lite_digest.asp?action=get_article&sk=743&bhcd2=1246546400 | accessdate = 2009-07-02 | archive-date = 2011-06-14 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110614084606/http://www.lighthousedepot.com/lite_digest.asp?action=get_article&sk=743&bhcd2=1246546400 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The character of the island changed considerably over time and in 1950, the light was automated. In 1959, the Coast Guard granted a special-use permit to a Philip M. Duvic "for private use and general recreational purposes" for the lighthouse. In the following few years Duvic renovated the lighthouse and converted the interior into a recreational living quarters. In 1964 the light was deactivated, and the following year it was put up for sale; Duvic (the sole bidder) was able to purchase it for $2560. A stipulation of the sale was that the structure had to be removed within ninety days of the sale; however, this stipulation was never enforced and the tower remained in place.<ref name="LHF"/>
⚫
[[File:USCGShipIslandLight1954 300.jpg|thumb|250px|1954 Coast Guard archive photo shows an aerial view of the station and pier]]
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The tower would stand until 1972, when it was burned down accidentally from sparks from a campers' fire.<ref name="LHF"/> However, it was by that time abandoned, as damage from [[Hurricane Camille]] had put it beyond repair. Duvic had also lost his main home to the storm.<ref name="LHF"/> The old range light was replaced in 1971 by a much taller steel skeletal tower which still stands.


⚫
[[File:USCGShipIslandLight1954 300.jpg|thumb|1954 Coast Guard archive photo shows an aerial view of the station and pier]]
In 2000 a replica of the wooden tower was erected on the foundation of its predecessor. This work was sponsored by the Friends of Gulf Islands National Seashore; the actual construction was performed by Seabees, using beams provided by the forest service.<ref name="LHF"/> The beacon was relit and appeared on charts as a private aid to navigation.<ref name="chart">{{cite map
⚫
The wood tower stood until 1972, when it was accidentally set on fire from sparks from a campers' fire and burned down.<ref name="LHF"/> By that time Duvic had abandoned the tower, as [[Hurricane Camille]] had damaged it beyond repair.<ref name="LHF"/> The old range light from the Dan McColl years was replaced in 1971 by a much taller steel skeletal tower which still stands.
|publisher = NOAA

|title = Intracoastal Waterway: Dog Keys Pass to Waveland
In 2000 a replica of the wooden tower was built on the foundation of its predecessor. This work was sponsored by the Friends of Gulf Islands National Seashore; the actual construction was performed by Seabees, using beams provided by the forest service.<ref name="LHF"/> The beacon was relit and appeared on charts as a private aid to navigation.<ref name="chart">{{cite map |publisher = NOAA |title = Intracoastal Waterway: Dog Keys Pass to Waveland |url = http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/11372.shtml |edition = 33 |date = June 1, 2007 |scale = 1:40,000 |accessdate = 2009-06-09 |id = Chart 11372}}</ref> It 2005, however, [[Hurricane Katrina]] destroyed it, leaving no trace but the foundation. The old Fresnel lens, which had been removed long before to the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi, was also badly damaged at the time, though there are plans to repair it.<ref name="LHF"/> The skeletal range light stands as the only light on the island.
|url = http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/11372.shtml
[[File:Ship Island Lighthouse Replica in Gulfport, MS.jpg|thumb|Replica of the lighthouse in Gulfport built following Hurricane Katrina]]
|edition = 33
A replica lighthouse was built in Jones Park in Gulfport, Mississippi in time for the opening of the park in 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Robin |title=5 things you may not know about the Biloxi Lighthouse |work=[[Sun Herald]] |url=https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article165884632.html |access-date=August 28, 2023}}</ref> It was built by Simpkins & Costelli, Inc.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LiveContent {{!}} Ship Island Lighthouse Replica |url=https://www.simpkins-costelli.com/our-work/lc/1482295/lcv/s/ship-island-lighthouse-replica |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=www.simpkins-costelli.com}}</ref>
|date = 6/1/2007
|scale = 1:40,000
|accessdate = 2009-06-09
|id = Chart 11372
}}</ref> It 2005, however, [[Hurricane Katrina]] destroyed it, leaving no trace but the foundation. The old Fresnel lens, which had been removed long before to the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi, was also badly damaged at the time, though there are plans to repair it.<ref name="LHF"/> The skeletal range light stands as the only light on the island.


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{cite rowlett|ms}}
*{{cite rowlett|ms}}

{{Lighthouses of Mississippi}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Lighthouses in Mississippi]]
[[Category:Lighthouses in Mississippi]]
[[Category:Structures affected by Hurricane Katrina]]
[[Category:Lighthouses completed in 1853]]
[[Category:Lighthouses completed in 1886]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures demolished in 1901]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures demolished in 1972]]
[[Category:Lighthouses completed in 2000]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures demolished in 2005]]
[[Category:Gulf Islands National Seashore]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Harrison County, Mississippi]]
[[Category:Effects of Hurricane Katrina]]

Latest revision as of 20:46, 20 November 2024

Ship Island Light
1892 photograph of Ship Island Light (USCG)
Map
LocationShip Island west of Fort Massachusetts
Coordinates30°12′46″N 88°57′58″W / 30.2127°N 88.9661°W / 30.2127; -88.9661
Tower
Constructed1853 (first tower)
1886 (second tower)[1]
Constructionbrick (first tower)
wood frame (second tower)[1]
Automated1950[1]
Height30 feet (9.1 m)[1]
ShapeFrustum of a cone (first tower)
pyramidal (second tower)[1]
MarkingsWhite with black lantern[1]
Light
First lit1971 Edit this on Wikidata
Deactivated1964[1]
Focal height76 feet (23 m)[1]
LensFourth-order Fresnel lens[1]
Characteristicvaried

Ship Island Light was a lighthouse in Mississippi near Gulfport.

History

[edit]

The first tower at this site was constructed in 1853; though appropriations were made starting in 1848; disputes over land ownership delayed acquisition of the land.[1][2] This tower was built of brick and was initially equipped with a multiple lamp and reflector system; three years later, it was upgraded to a fourth-order Fresnel lens.[2]

undated photograph of the 1853 tower (USCG)

In January 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War confederate forces seized the island, including the incomplete fortifications and the lighthouse. When they abandoned the fort in September, they stole the lighthouse lens and set the interior on fire. Union forces occupied the island shortly thereafter and restored it to operation in November 1862, using a different lens and lantern captured previously.[2] The light was blacked out to the north to prevent its use by blockade runners approaching from the mainland.

The characteristic of the light was changed from fixed white to fixed red in 1880. Over time, the tower began to lean conspicuously. In 1886 it was condemned as unsafe and it finally collapsed in 1901.

After condemnation, a new tower was erected about 300 feet (91 m) away, constructed entirely of wood as an open framework, though it was soon sheathed in siding. Wood-frame keeper's houses were constructed to either side of it. During this era the light was tended by Dan McColl, who had lost a leg in a railroad accident.[2] A set of range lights were erected to mark one section of the channel out of Gulfport, Mississippi; the rear light of the range stood on a short open wood tower, a short distance from the main tower. It was then determined that the labor of climbing three towers was too much too expect of McColl, and he was transferred to Cat Island Light, a nearby screw-pile lighthouse, where he served until he died in 1904.

In the 1800s and early 1900s the island served as a port of entry due to the deep water harbor behind it; besides the fort, there was a quarantine station, and the island was at times a popular destination for tourists. The importance of these facilities declined, and in 1934 most facilities on the island were deeded through act of Congress to an American Legion post; the lighthouse, however, was excluded at the Coast Guard's insistence.[2][3] The character of the island changed considerably over time and in 1950, the light was automated. In 1959, the Coast Guard granted a special-use permit to a Philip M. Duvic "for private use and general recreational purposes" for the lighthouse. In the following few years Duvic renovated the lighthouse and converted the interior into a recreational living quarters. In 1964 the light was deactivated, and the following year it was put up for sale; Duvic (the sole bidder) was able to purchase it for $2560. A stipulation of the sale was that the structure had to be removed within ninety days of the sale; however, this stipulation was never enforced and the tower remained in place.[2]

1954 Coast Guard archive photo shows an aerial view of the station and pier

The wood tower stood until 1972, when it was accidentally set on fire from sparks from a campers' fire and burned down.[2] By that time Duvic had abandoned the tower, as Hurricane Camille had damaged it beyond repair.[2] The old range light from the Dan McColl years was replaced in 1971 by a much taller steel skeletal tower which still stands.

In 2000 a replica of the wooden tower was built on the foundation of its predecessor. This work was sponsored by the Friends of Gulf Islands National Seashore; the actual construction was performed by Seabees, using beams provided by the forest service.[2] The beacon was relit and appeared on charts as a private aid to navigation.[4] It 2005, however, Hurricane Katrina destroyed it, leaving no trace but the foundation. The old Fresnel lens, which had been removed long before to the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi, was also badly damaged at the time, though there are plans to repair it.[2] The skeletal range light stands as the only light on the island.

Replica of the lighthouse in Gulfport built following Hurricane Katrina

A replica lighthouse was built in Jones Park in Gulfport, Mississippi in time for the opening of the park in 2012.[5] It was built by Simpkins & Costelli, Inc.[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Historic Light Station Information and Photography: Mississippi". United States Coast Guard Historian's Office. Archived from the original on 2017-05-01. Retrieved 2009-02-26.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Ship Island Lighthouse, Mississippi". LighthouseFriends. Retrieved 2009-03-17.
  3. ^ "Ship Island Light Rebuilt". Lighthouse Digest. Lighthouse Depot. May 2000. Archived from the original on 2011-06-14. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  4. ^ Intracoastal Waterway: Dog Keys Pass to Waveland (Map) (33 ed.). 1:40,000. NOAA. June 1, 2007. Chart 11372. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
  5. ^ Fitzgerald, Robin. "5 things you may not know about the Biloxi Lighthouse". Sun Herald. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  6. ^ "LiveContent | Ship Island Lighthouse Replica". www.simpkins-costelli.com. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
[edit]
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