St. Marks Light, Coastal lighthouse in Wakulla County, Florida.
St. Marks Light is a white tower located where the St. Marks River meets the Gulf of Mexico, rising approximately 22 meters above the water. The structure stands on a piece of land surrounded by wetlands and protected by the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
The lighthouse was built in 1831 as a navigational aid to guide ships through the dangerous waters of Apalachee Bay. It served as a crucial signal at the boundary between river and open sea, helping sailors find safe routes.
The lighthouse serves as a familiar landmark for the local community and is valued as a symbol of coastal heritage. Its image shapes how people see this region and connects visitors with the maritime past of these waters.
The visitor center at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge provides parking and trails that lead to the lighthouse. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as the paths cross marshy terrain and weather can change quickly in this coastal area.
The tower's foundation contains limestone blocks taken from a nearby Spanish fort that once stood at this location. These recycled materials physically connect the current structure to earlier periods in the region's past.
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