The Biloxi Lighthouse in Mississippi

The Beautiful Biloxi Lighthouse is evidently the most photographed landmark on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. One look will tell you why. It has a beautiful and sleek classic lighthouse "look" about it, something I love!

It is located adjacent to the Mississippi Sound of the Gulf of Mexico.

A couple of unique facts about this lighthouse include is that it was built in 1848, and the only lighthouse in the United States that is in the middle of a four lane highway! Many of us remember Hurricane Katrina, well she weathered even that.

This lighthouse is not so different from others in that it has guided many out at sea, and been a steadfast symbol of hope, direction, safety and strength. It seems to dwarf the debri left behind from even the worst hurricanes can seem to dish out.

In 1860, a hurricane swept through this area, and damaged and/or destroyed some of the lighthouses. The Biloxi Light stood firm throughout, though it is said the light keeper that night had to have incredible bravery. The beautiful lighthouse served its purpose, and the light keeper did their job well!

Surely one of the reasons for its strength is that it is made of cast iron. Not to mention its construction, along with the restoration it has needed over time. Over time, those looking to come into Biloxi, have benefitted from this lighthouse as a true guiding light or landmark.

It is interesting to note that on the sign in the one picture shared here, it says that the Lighthouse was taken care of by the Younghans family over time. The father, mother and daughter cared for this lighthouse from 1866 until 1929.

Wikipedia shares that over time, the lighthouse has been kept by women more than any other lighthouse in all the United States. I thought that was interesting!

I love commemorative postage stamps, and have collected them for some time. I remember when the lighthouses came out in a set on postage stamps. I didn't pay too much attention at the time, but knew I loved them. I was pleasantly reminded that the Biloxi Lighthouse earned a spot in that set of commemorative stamps.

It was commemorated by the city of Biloxi and the United States Postal Service on July 23, 2009. It was 161 years old at that time, and had weathered many storms. Evidently, hundreds of people braved the intense heat to celebrate the lighthouse. As many collectors know, it is a joy and a privilege to be a part of such a thing, and to be among the first to get the new stamps.

If you are ever in the area, why not consider visiting the Biloxi Lighthouse? They have tours daily at 9, 9:15 and 9:30, assuming the weather is cooperating. Make sure to get your tickets at the Biloxi Center counter, as they are not sold at the lighthouse itself. They are not expensive, just five dollars, or two dollars for students.

One thing I have come to learn in my years of loving lighthouses, is to visit them whenever you can. Some are disappearing over time. Sometimes, people just can't afford to keep them up, and communities have not found a way to afford to do so. That said, many are doing their best to keep them for posterity to see and view. I hope the Biloxi Lighthouse is around for a long time to come!

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