Round Island Lighthouse

The Round Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Round Island, Mississippi, United States.

History

• The Round Island Lighthouse has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, serving as an important aid to navigation for mariners in the Gulf of Mexico.
• The lighthouse was constructed in 1890 by the U.S. Coast Guard and designed by architect John H. Kerr.

Architecture

The Round Island Lighthouse features a distinctive round shape, characteristic of many early 20th-century lighthouses.

Light Characteristics

• The Round Island Lighthouse is equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, which produces a red light visible up to 15 nautical miles (28 kilometers) at night.
• The light pattern consists of three distinct flashes per minute, serving as an important aid to navigation for mariners in the region.

Current Status

The Round Island Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its decommissioning in the 1970s.

Location and Accessibility

• The Round Island Lighthouse is located on Round Island, Mississippi, approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) east of Pascagoula Bay.
• The lighthouse can be accessed via Cypress Avenue, which provides parking for visitors.
• A short walk from the parking area leads to the lighthouse itself.

Heritage Status

The Round Island Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a Mississippi Historic Landmark.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Round Island Lighthouse played an important role in the war effort, serving as a navigational aid for Allied ships entering Pascagoula Bay.
• The lighthouse also served as a refuge for stranded sailors and fishermen during severe weather conditions.