Of all the things that may surprise you about your visit to Galveston, it’s the smallest ones that may charm you the most. When you think about lighthouses, we’re going to bet that you picture them on a rocky cliff in New England, standing guard over troubled waters and offering the perfect photo opportunity for your family Christmas card. What you may not have realized is that Galveston is home to the Point Bolivar Lighthouse, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Standing guard over the not-so-troubled waters that surround Galveston Island, this elegant structure was retired during the Great Depression due to tight budgets, but today serves as a beacon to amateur photographers the world over.
Humble Beginnings
The first money set aside for the construction of the Point Bolivar Lighthouse came from the Republic of Texas in 1845. Construction was delayed by the annexing of Texas into the United States, and then was delayed even further by property negotiations and disputes over the annexing (we Texans can be stubborn when we want!). Construction officially began in the fall of 1851, and by that time the needs for a lighthouse were so great, a lightship was employed until the tower was finished. Constructed of iron and painted all in red, the tower was finally completed in late 1852, and Aaron Burns was hired on as the first lightkeeper. By 1861, however, Texas seceded from the Union in preparation for the Civil War, and the Point Bolivar Lighthouse was turned off and taken down, most likely to be melted down and used in the building of ships for the war.
Rebuilt in 1872
The lighthouse survived two major storms and a restoration after the storm of 1915, but could not survive the effects of the Great Depression and was retired from use in 1933. Today, it is privately owned, and while tours are not offered of the inside, the pictures of the exterior of this rusting monolith keep it in the public’s interest. Standing tall and strong with the keeper’s house next to it, even if you don’t use the picture for your family Christmas card, it’s worth adding to your collection.
From Lighthouse to Vacation Home
Chances are your Sterling Realtors vacation home is quite a bit more luxurious than the humble keeper’s quarters of the Point Bolivar Lighthouse, a fact that should make you very happy! Reserve yours today and rest easily after a long day of exploring the history of Galveston.
