Sanibel Island Light, Historic lighthouse on Sanibel Island, Florida, US
Sanibel Island Light is a white iron skeleton tower located at the eastern end of the island, featuring a central spiral staircase within its frame. It rises approximately 30 meters high and stands as a distinctive feature of the coastal landscape, surrounded by beach and grounds that visitors can access.
Residents had been requesting navigation aids since 1833, and Congress finally authorized construction funding in 1883 to improve safety in those waters. The lighthouse became the first of its kind on Florida's Gulf coast north of Key West when it entered service.
The beacon has become a recognizable symbol for visitors exploring Sanibel's waterfront, and locals often gather on the adjacent grounds to watch the sunset. Its image appears frequently in photography and serves as a gathering point for those interested in maritime heritage.
The grounds are freely accessible for walking and exploring, though the tower structure itself is closed to visitors. Plan to visit in early morning or around sunset when the light is best for photography and the area is less crowded.
Divers recovered the tower's iron components from a sunken ship located two miles offshore during its construction in 1884. This uncommon method of gathering materials reflects the practical challenges of building on Florida's coast in that era.
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