Timeline
Back to St Marks Lighthouse
This timeline of the St. Marks Lighthouse Can be found inside the keeper’s quarters when you tour the lighthouse.
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
| 1828 | Congress authorizes construction of a Lighthouse at the mouth of the St. Marks River, probably in the vicinity of Cedar Point Trail. |
| 1830 | First tower completed with hollow walls but rejected by the inspector. |
| 1831 | Second tower completed with solid walls. |
| 1842 | Deterioration of second tower caused a third tower to be built in the present location. |
| 1843 | Keeper’s dwelling destroyed by powerful storm; 11-14 people killed. |
| 1854 | Protective breakwater and limestone keeper’s dwelling built. |
| 1861 – 1865 | Lens removed, keeper’s dwelling burned, tower damaged by fire and shelling during the Civil War. |
| 1865 | In March, almost 1,000 Union troops landed near the lighthouse and marched to fight the Battle of Natural Bridge. |
| 1867 | Tower repairs finished and light re-lit. |
| 1883 | Strong hurricane damaged keeper’s dwelling and top of the tower. |
| 1931 | St. Marks Migratory Bird Refuge (now St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge) created. |
| 1933 – 1934 | Road to Lighthouse built by Civilian Conservation Corps. |
| 1939 | Electricity came to the Lighthouse. U.S. Coast Guard assumes control of all U.S. Light Stations. |
| 1960 | Last Cost Guard Officer-in-Charge leaves station and beacon automated. |
| 2000 | Exterior solar powered light installed and Fresnel Lens discontinued. |
| 2001 | U.S. Coast Guard made interior and exterior repairs of Lighthouse and Keeper’s dwelling. |
| 2013 | U.S. Coast Guard transfers ownership of the Lighthouse to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. |
| 2014 | Fresnel lens removed for preservation is now on display in the Visitor Center. |
| 2014 – 2018 | Extensive renovations to dwelling and tower funded by grants and generous donations from those who hold the St. Marks Lighthouse dear. More improvements to come. |