St Augustine Lighthouse
by Ben Prepelka
Title
St Augustine Lighthouse
Artist
Ben Prepelka
Medium
Photograph
Description
Recognized as one of North America's oldest cities, St Augustine is cloaked in a distinctive Spanish atmosphere. The historic district, with streets paved in cobblestones, is lined with cafes, snack bars, unique shops and popular attractions.
America's oldest city was also the place for the first lighthouse, built in 1737 by the Spanish. Giving way to the elements, the lighthouse was replaced in 1824. The replacement lighthouse was powered by oil lamps, set in silver reflectors, offering a modest beacon for maritime traffic. Enduring hurricanes, lightning strikes, hailstorms and even arson, the old 73 foot brick tower finally gave in to restless ocean tides.
The new 161 foot lighthouse structure, a country-wide endeavor, was built of Alabama brick, Georgia granite and topped with Pennsylvanian ironwork. Lit with a French Fresnel lens, the lighthouse was put into service in 1874. The exterior was painted in distinctive black and white spirals, echoing the day markings of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Although electricity reached the light station in 1936, it wasn't until 1971 when the light was automated. Without fulltime supervision, the Fresnel lens was vandalized, the keep's quarters were set ablaze and lens was then temporarily replaced with an airport beacon.
The Junior Service League was not around to save the original lighthouse from crashing into the sea, but accomplished a superb job of restoration on today's Saint Augustine Light Station. After a 14 year project, the lighthouse was reopened for public tours in 1994. Views from the top of the lighthouse, including the city coastline, are superb. Visitors will find that the climb is quite a workout, as 219 steps separate guests from this lofty perch.
Uploaded
September 1st, 2019
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Comments (37)
Steve Rich
Your work deserves to be showcased on the homepage of "The Meandering Photographer!" Please consider adding this work to the "Feature History, The Meandering Photographer (Oct-Nov 2023)" active discussion thread. (l/f on 10-30-2023)
Gary F Richards
Outstanding St Augustine lighthouse composition, lighting, shading, color and artwork! F/L voted
Luther Fine Art
Congratulations! Your fantastic art has been featured on the Home Page of the ABC Group's L IS FOR LIGHT themed week - FEBRUARY 17- FEBRUARY 24. You are invited to add this wonderful art to the Features Archive Discussion in the ABC GROUP.
Kathi Isserman
It is my pleasure to inform you that your awesome photo is FEATURED on the HOMEPAGE OF "SHOWCASING THE SOUTH GROUP"! L Please add the photo to the 2019-2020 “NEW FEATURES THREAD.”
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