PONCE DE LEON INLET LIGHTHOUSE
Ponce Inlet, Florida
This has got to be my second most favorite lighthouse I have visited. Arrived early in the morning after starting out in St. Augustine at sunrise. This is the second tallest lighthouse on the east coast. Of course I had to climb it. It is a bit of a huff with that big old camera bag I carry everywhere.
This place was originally known as Mosquito Inlet and had a lighthouse built around 1835, but they were never able to deliver the oil necessary to burn the lamps before the towers fell from storm damage. Also, hostile Indians prevented any possible repair to the ailing structure. The current tower was constructed in 1887 out of red brick delivered down the coast from Baltimore.
The tower is 175 feet tall according to the NPS website, but books I have read say 168 feet. The tower was left unpainted in its natural red color which provides an excellent daymark for mariners during daylight hours. The original 1st order lens light was a fixed light and was later replaced in 1933 with a 3rd order lens. It is currently lit by a modern optic, installed in 1996, as you can see in the photo below. Since it is an active light, the lantern room was closed off. It is possible, however, to stick your head through the grating to get a good look and good photos of the lantern room.
The light was discontinued in 1970, replaced by a new light at the New Smyrna Beach Coast Guard Station. However due to good old urban sprawl, some new condominiums were built in front of the station and blocked the light. So in 1982, the Coast Guard relit the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and it has been guiding ships since.
It is easy to find. South of Daytona Beach, take A1A from Highway 1 east to the beach and turn south. Drive to the end and there it is. There is an admission fee, but well worth the cost. The grounds are immaculate. And the view is spectacular.
Here's how I saw it:
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OF THE MOUNTAINS
John B Caddell
Copyright 2001