Biloxi Lighthouse | Biloxi

Information

Landmark: Biloxi Lighthouse
City: Biloxi
Country: USA Mississippi
Continent: North America

Biloxi Lighthouse, Biloxi, USA Mississippi, North America

The Biloxi Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Biloxi, Mississippi, USA.

It stands as a prominent coastal landmark on the Mississippi Sound.

Visual Characteristics

The lighthouse is an octagonal, cast-iron structure painted white. It stands approximately 65 feet (20 meters) tall. The lantern room is topped with a black conical roof. A black band encircles the structure just below the lantern room.

Location & Access Logistics

The lighthouse is situated at the intersection of U.S. Route 90 and U.S. Route 49 in Biloxi, Mississippi. It is approximately 1 mile east of the Biloxi city center. Public parking is available in designated areas adjacent to the lighthouse. No specific public transport lines directly serve the lighthouse, but local bus routes operate along U.S. Route 90.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Biloxi Lighthouse was completed in 1848. It was built by the U.S. Lighthouse Board. Its original purpose was to guide maritime traffic along the Mississippi Sound and into the port of Biloxi.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can ascend the lighthouse via a spiral staircase to the lantern room. Guided tours are available, providing historical context and details about the lighthouse's operation. Photography of the structure and surrounding coastline is a common activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located in a small building adjacent to the lighthouse. Shade is limited around the immediate base of the structure. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the area. Food vendors are typically present along U.S. Route 90.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal photography, the late afternoon offers favorable lighting conditions. The months of April through October generally provide the most pleasant weather for outdoor visits. There are no tide-dependent access restrictions.

Facts & Legends

During the Civil War, the lighthouse was briefly deactivated and then occupied by Confederate forces. It was later seized by Union forces, who reactivated it. A unique aspect is its status as one of the first lighthouses in the United States to be constructed of cast iron.