Under The Dress! What's Happening at the Sanibel Lighthouse

The Sanibel Island Light, commonly known as the Sanibel Lighthouse, stands at the eastern tip of Sanibel Island on the Florida Gulf Coast. This historic lighthouse has been a significant navigational aid in the region and an emblematic symbol of Sanibel Island.
The construction of the Sanibel Lighthouse was completed in 1884, motivated by the increasing maritime traffic that needed guidance through the dangerous waters near the island. The U.S. Congress had appropriated funds for its construction in 1879, acknowledging the strategic importance of this location for ships entering the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic.
The lighthouse is structured with a unique iron skeleton tower design, which is 98 feet tall. Unlike many traditional lighthouses, the Sanibel Lighthouse does not have the customary solid masonry; instead, it features an open iron framework which was more practical and less expensive to construct at that time. At its base, two houses were built to accommodate the keepers and their families, reflecting the common practice of having multiple lightkeepers due to the isolated and demanding nature of the job.
Over the years, the lighthouse has withstood numerous hurricanes and weather events. It was automated in 1949, which marked the end of the era when lighthouse keepers were permanently stationed at the site.
Today, while the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the surrounding grounds and beaches are a popular attraction. Managed by the City of Sanibel, the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation and continues to be a beloved landmark, celebrated for both its historical significance and its picturesque setting.