Biloxi Lighthouse: A Beacon in the Night

On March 3, 1847, the United States Congress authorized $12,000 for the construction of a lighthouse in Biloxi, Mississippi. The lighthouse was completed and placed in operation in 1848. The tower is 45 feet from the base to the lantern room and displayed nine lamps.

The lighthouse is (now in the middle of Highway 90) across from the Biloxi visitors center. It is open for tours, weather permitting, every morning at 9:00 am, 9:15 am, and 9:30 am. $5 for adults, $2 for children and you get a Biloxi Lighthouse bracelet.

Throughout its history, the lighthouse has survived numerous hurricanes, including Camille and Katrina. Inside the lighthouse, blue lines are painted on the wall to mark historic storm surges above ‘mean sea level.’Hurricane Camille’s record of 17.5 feet was broken by Hurricane Katrina, which crested at 21.5 feet.

The Biloxi Lighthouse is one of the most photographed sites on the Gulf Coast. The lighthouse was featured on over 2 million registered Mississippi vehicles on license plates.

The Lighthouse uses 1-200 watt light bulb. It shines for 3 seconds and is dark for 1 second, a code unique to Biloxi. It has 3 backup bulbs if the primary bulb burns out.

In 2009, the landmark underwent a 14-month $400,000 restoration, finished in 2010. It is the only lighthouse in the United States to stand in the middle of a U.S. Highway and is now billed as 65 feet tall. Today you can climb the Light’s 57 steps and 8-rung ladder into the light room. –Wikipedia.

Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney in Mississippi, a History major and enjoys exploring Mississippi’s hidden and not-so-hidden gems.

Divorce, Child Custody & Support, Alimony, Contempt, Modification, Adoption, Appeals, Corporate Counsel, Professional Licensure Issues, and Civil Litigation.