Biloxi Lighthouse | Biloxi

The Biloxi Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a striking cast-iron structure that has stood watch over the shoreline since 1848. Rising from the median of U.S. Highway 90, it is not only a beacon of maritime history but also a symbol of resilience, having survived countless hurricanes and cultural shifts over nearly two centuries.

Architecture and Construction

The lighthouse, built of cast iron and lined with brick, was among the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South. Its design balances strength with elegance: a slender white tower that contrasts against the blue of the Gulf and the open sky. Standing about 64 feet tall, it was originally powered by kerosene lamps before later being electrified. Its survival through major storms, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has made it a symbol of endurance for Biloxi and the entire coast.

Historical Significance

The Biloxi Lighthouse is unique in American history because it was kept by female lightkeepers for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Women such as Mary Reynolds and later Maria Younghans tended the light, ensuring sailors could navigate the Gulf waters safely. Their stories highlight the demanding, often solitary role of lighthouse keepers and add a human dimension to its legacy.

During the Civil War, the lighthouse briefly went dark as Union and Confederate forces contested the Gulf Coast, but it resumed service afterward and continued as a vital navigational aid until the late 20th century.

Hurricane Resilience

The lighthouse is perhaps best known today for its survival of powerful Gulf storms. Despite standing directly in the path of hurricanes, including Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Katrina in 2005, the structure withstood the forces of nature when much around it was destroyed. After Katrina, when the seawall and surrounding buildings lay in ruins, the Biloxi Lighthouse-damaged but standing-became an enduring symbol of hope and recovery for the region.

Visitor Experience

Today, visitors can tour the lighthouse as part of guided experiences led by the City of Biloxi. The climb up its spiral staircase rewards visitors with sweeping views of the Mississippi Sound, the barrier islands, and the surrounding cityscape. Interpretive tours share not only the technical details of the lighthouse but also the personal histories of its keepers and its role in Biloxi’s maritime economy.

The site also features interpretive signage and is often photographed at sunrise and sunset, when the tower is dramatically silhouetted against the horizon.

Atmosphere and Symbolism

The Biloxi Lighthouse is more than a navigational aid-it is a cultural emblem. Its white-painted tower, illuminated against the Gulf’s ever-changing skies, captures both the fragility and resilience of life on the coast. To many residents, it stands as a reminder of endurance, memory, and continuity, embodying Biloxi’s spirit through hardship and renewal.

Visiting the Biloxi Lighthouse offers a mix of history, maritime heritage, and breathtaking Gulf views, making it a must-see landmark for anyone exploring coastal Mississippi.