Photo credit: Florida Memory Project

This April 19th is Florida Lighthouse day, a day to celebrate and learn about the rich history of these iconic structures. Currently there are 40 known lighthouses dotted along the Florida coastline. On this day consider actually visiting one of the many lighthouses and even if you dare climb the stairs to the heavens. Take a voyage of discovery into a bygone age with these beacons of the past. If you can’t get to one locally, you can visit a website, find a museum or even grab a good book on the topic. Either way you will learn about a fascinating chapter of history complete with pioneers, hostile indian attacks, shipwrecks and their survivors, animal mascots, Presidential visits, and more.

There are three lighthouses on Florida’s East Coast that have celebrations planned this Florida Lighthouse day.

At the Jupiter Lighthouse you can hear the sound of bagpipes and drums and relighting of the lamp in tribute to the late Lighthouse preservationist Cullen Chambers. He was responsible for what you can see and enjoy today at these sites.

Ponce Inlet just South of Daytona sports the tallest lighthouse in Florida and is considered the tallest masonry lighthouses in the country at 175 feet! Visitors can climb 203 steps to receive a breathtaking view of the New Symrna Beach area. The light station includes a well artifacted museum that includes the Fresnal lens from Canaveral Light.

St Augustine's Lighthouse at Anastasia Island is considered Florida's first lighthouse and is the 2nd tallest at 165 feet. A visit sure to excite all members of the family with educational exhibits. A great view of the Ancient City - St. Augustine

A lighthouse visit is a fun learning experience for all. Nothing else seems to capture the essence of Florida’s early US American history than lighthouses.

Links

Jupiter Lighthouse

St Augustine's Lighthouse

Ponce Inlet