Round Island Lighthouse

Round Island Lighthouse stood on the barrier island of the same name off the mouth of the Pascagoula River. Replacing an earlier structure built in the 1830's, it was completed in 1859 at a cost of $7,130.97. Built of brick and fitted with an oil lamp using a Fresnel lens to concentrate the light, it was visible for 12 to 14 miles. The island also included living quarters for a lighthouse keeper, who tended the light by trimming lamp wicks, replenishing fuel, winding clock works, and performing regular maintenance such as cleaning the lenses and windows. The lighthouse operated constantly until the mid-1940's, except during part of the Civil War when the light was darkened. Deeded to the city of Pascagoula in 1986, the tower toppled during Hurricane Georges in 1998 after its foundation was undermined. Repairs were underway when Hurricane Katrina scattered the lighthouse materials, and plans were then made to relocate the structure to Pascagoula for a restoration project.

Pascagoula, Mississippi · United States