The St. Augustine Lighthouse began as a Spanish watchtower and is St. Augustine’s oldest brick structure. Rare proof exists of African Americans on site during its construction. The 1876 house includes an uncommon coquina basement that stored supplies delivered by steamship until 1927. Six Coastguardsmen stood watch during WWII. In 1970, fire devastated the dwelling. A determined Junior Service League restored the house, tower, and Fresnel lens. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime museum, a non-profit, accepted ownership and responsibility for the light itself from the US Coast Guard in 2002. Today, it is a private aid to navigation. The remains of many shipwrecks validate this beacon’s purpose on an everchanging coastline. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
