Sabine Pass Lighthouse - Definition and Overview

The Sabine Pass Lighthouse, one of only three built in the United States of similar design, went into operation in 1857. It remained lit for 95 years with the exception of a brief period during the Civil War when it was temporarily shut down. The light was permanently extinguished by the Coast Guard in 1952 when modern technology made it obsolete. The wharfs, keeper's house and wooden outbuilding have all been destroyed by marsh fire. The Lighthouse has since been entered into the National Register of Historical Places.

A restoration effort is being made by the Cameron Preservation Society.

Location - Located on Louisiana side of the Sabine Pass/Texas border in Cameron Parish.
Lat./Long. - 29.43.04 / 93.51.00
Base Elevation - 3 foot above median high tide.
Height - 85 feet.
Focal Plane - 75 feet.
Lens - 3rd order Fresnel which cast a white light.
Flash - Lamp flashed every 90 seconds by interal clock work mechanism.
Tower Shape - Octogon with 8 buttresses which gives it a 'Rocket Ship' appearance.
Material - Brick with ShellCrete covering and foundation.
Wall contruction - 18 inch thick combination of Brick, morter and ShellCrete.
Color - Originally white with black bands added in 1938.
Tower Access - Spiral staircase with Cast Iron Steps.
Roofing - Original roof was copper but was stripped by vandals in 1970s.
Access - Private dirt (or mud depending upon season) road to location. But Lighthouse Bayou (about 25' in width) blocks direct access. Access by shallow draft boat is possible.

This location also served as a Coast Guard Lifestation which patroled the Sabine River, Sabine Lake and Gulf of Mexico.

External link

• Lighthouse Website (http://www.sabinepasslighthouse.org)