Cat Island Light

Cat Island Light is a lighthouse structure on Cat Island, an elongated island measuring about 8 miles long and 1 mile wide off the southern Mississippi coast. The current tower features a square design built on screw piles and stands in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The original light station was built in 1831 as a cone-shaped brick structure lacking proper foundation on sand. It was replaced in 1872 with a new design using screw piles, which provided better stability against the water and elements.

Locals called this place The Bird Cage after it stopped working as a navigation aid. The lighthouse evolved from a functional structure into a spot where people come to fish.

Reaching the island requires a boat rental or private charter from the mainland, since no bridges connect to the location. Visitors should plan ahead for boat transportation and check weather conditions before going.

Rock and stone were placed around the piles to protect the structure from erosion over time. This reinforcement method shows how engineers adapted to the harsh conditions of the Gulf coast.

Location: Harrison County

Inception: 1831

GPS coordinates: 30.23082,-89.16158

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:05