In the 1800s, Galveston was the largest and most heavily used port in the state. A bucket was used outside the top of the lighthouse to catch rainwater to quench the thirst of those in the tower, but amazingly the water was found to be salty, meaning that spray from the gulf was mingling with the rain at a height of 130 feet. Given the dramatic cost increase for iron during the war and the fact that no piece of the original tower has ever been discovered, it is assumed that the iron sections were used as armor plating for ships or were melted down to produce military armaments. Map Directions Satellite Photo Map Wikipedia Photo: Jim Evans, CC BY-SA 4.0. Notable Places in the Area SS Selma Disaster remains What hotels are near Bolivar Point Lighthouse? Price lists, contact information, and order forms are available on the Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N809, - Additional information as well as the history for each lighthouse is provided courtesy of volunteers from the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society, including Anne Puppa, William Simms, Melissa Buckler, Marie Vincent, Catherine Price, Diane Hackney and Matthew B. Jenkins. What restaurants are near Bolivar Point Lighthouse? The lighthouse is important to the commercial, cultural and political history of the region. The lighthouse stands on Point Bolivar in Galveston Bay. color or tint (assuming the original has any), you can generally purchase a quality copy of the Library of Congress because of rights considerations, but you have access to larger size images on Construction Materials: CAST IRON W/BRICK LINING
It was transferred to the War Assets Administration. https://www.loc.gov/item/tx1010/. 5:00 at 202-707-6394, and Press 3. Galveston County Port Bolivar Texas, 1933. It would have been nice to see the interior of the lighthouse but we did enjoy a close up view of the exterior. Photograph. Learn how and when to remove this template message, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places portal, National Register of Historic Places listings in Galveston County, Texas, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Point_Bolivar_Light&oldid=1159051085, National Register of Historic Places listed place, National Register of Historic Places listed place, This page was last edited on 7 June 2023, at 22:31. Although this is not a tourist attraction (because it is privately owned) this beauty stands on the side of Hwy 87, very close to the ferry landing, and is easily seen. Thankfully, the lighthouse has passionate advocates who are tirelessly working to ensure this never happens. Highway 87 on the Bolivar Peninsula ends at the ferry, not far from the lighthouse. She is now rusted solid black, but still beautiful despite the age. The lighthouse was transferred to the war department in 1935, and in 1947 the war assets administration sold the property for $5,500 to rancher Elmer V. Boyt, whose family still owns the lighthouse. The Lighthouse Service supervised assembly of the tower including installation of the Fresnel lens. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Public access planned for the site will ensure that the maritime history associated with one of our states most important coastal landmarks will be understood and appreciated by all who visit. Point Bolivar Lighthouse, West of Loop 108 on Highway 87, Bolivar Bolivar Point Lighthouse See all things to do Bolivar Point Lighthouse 3.5 20 reviews #4 of 6 things to do in Port Bolivar Lighthouses Visit website Write a review About Suggested duration < 1 hour Suggest edits to improve what we show. Grounds/tower closed. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Bolivar Lighthouse -- Point Bolivar Galveston. Original Lens: An official website of the United States government, Alphabetical List of Lighthouse Files at the U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office. more, 2-Hour Houston Pedal Party Barge with a Licensed Captain, 1-hour Single Jet Ski Rental in Seabrook - up to 2 passengers, Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned), Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission, The Cockrell Butterfly Center Admission in Houston, Houston Sightseeing Tour and Galveston Day Trip, Haunted Houston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour, Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, Galveston Historic Seaport - Home of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, Are there tours of the interior of the lighthouse, no privately owned have heard rumor of rare historical society tours. The lighthouse is adjacent to the Houston Audubon Society's Horseshoe Marsh Bird Sanctuary. The current lighthouse is at least the second structure at the site. Bolivar Point Lighthouse Galveston Digital Art Jim Sanders $24 $19 Port Bolivar Lighthouse Photograph Victor Culpepper $20 $16 Bolivar Light Painting Carolyn English $27 $22 The Bolivar Lighthouse Digital Art Linda Unger $32 $26 Point Bolivar Lighthouse Photograph Scott Pellegrin $47 $38 Bolivar Lighthouse Photograph Gayle Johnson $27 $22 NEWS AND EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS NEWS AND EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS NEWS AND EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISSjQuery(function(){jQuery('.marquee-hsas-shortcode-92').marquee({allowCss3Support: true,css3easing: 'linear',easing: 'linear',delayBeforeStart: 2000,direction: 'left',duplicated: true,duration: 10000,gap: 40,pauseOnCycle: true,pauseOnHover: true,startVisible: true});}); Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation 2022 | Maintained by. navigation, - Its survived many hurricanes and makes for a beautiful picture. In 2015, Mark Boyt and Michael Maxwell, descendants of the first private owners of Bolivar Point Lighthouse, established a foundation to work towards the restoration and preservation of the lighthouse. is a living piece of Texas history. Tynan, T H - Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc - Warren Jagger Photography, Inc - Thomas, Mary M - Paulding, Kemble and Company - L. Sautter and Company - Yankee Steeplejack Company - U.S. Light-House Board - Gordon, Ellis - Abbott, Gerald Tynan, T H - Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc - Warren Jagger Photography, Inc - Thomas, Mary M - Paulding, Kemble and Company - L. Sautter and Company - Yankee Steeplejack Company - U.S. Light-House Board - Gordon, Ellis - Abbott, Gerald - L. Sautter Cie - Barbier and Fenestre - Fresnel, Augustin Jean - Sautter Harle - Bureau of Lighthouses - Dodge, Simon - Woodruff, I C - Sautter, Louis - Expert House Movers of Maryland, Inc - Bailey and Debevoise - Brewster, Robert - Stupich, Martin - Deepwater Wind Block Island, Llc - Baiges, Mabel a - Jackson, Lee Ann - Southeast Lighthouse Foundation - Henry-Lepaute - Friesen, Pete - U.S. Coast Guard - Adams, Virginia H - Henry, Joseph - Del Real, Patricio - Daly, John J - Lavoie, Catherine C - Ball, Nicholas - Historic American Engineering Record - Yang, Isabel C - International Chimney, Inc - Letourneau, Theodore - Anderson, Richard K, Jr - McPartland, Mary, Naab, Richard - Historic American Buildings Survey - Monnig, Lisa - Stephens, Gary R, Photo(s): 13 | Color Transparencies: 1 | Measured Drawing(s): 3 | Data Page(s): 25 | Photo Caption Page(s): 2. Built in 1872, the Bolivar Point lighthouse was commissioned by the United States Congress to guide ships through Galveston Bay, remaining in operation until 1933. Bolivar Peninsula, Texas - Wikipedia Bolivar Lighthouse Art for Sale - Fine Art America The War Department took possession of the lighthouse in 1935. A Content List of the Lighthouse Subject Files (Archival) Held by the Coast Guard Historian's Office. In her glory, she was painted white and black. On November 1, 1902, the keepers wife wrote, Scrubbing and washing floors and steps to lighthouse. Working all day cleaning brass and plate glass, was her en-try in July, 1903. The Bolivar Point Lighthouse is beloved by locals and visitors who look for it when they are coming to and/or leaving the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry. Complaints were also voiced by harbor pilots, prompting the Lighthouse Board to supply a third-order Fresnel lens and an additional twenty-four feet of sections for the tower. One projectile tore a hole through the tower at a height of about twenty-five feet above the base, while another struck just outside the front yard gate of the assistant keepers dwelling. NEWS AND EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS. In 1947, the federal government auctioned the tower and two keeper's houses to E.V. The Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation is working to raise $4 million to restore the 150-year-old structure. Join us on April 2 and learn about the past, present, and exciting future of this jewel of the Gulf Coast with Amy Maxwell Chase and Mark Boyt, board members of the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation. It became necessary to get this door closed to protect the tower from the wash of the current and Mr. Brooks, armed with a rope, essayed to make fast the barrier. The district inspector arrived to investigate the situation, and shortly thereafter Brace resigned and Crockett retired to operate a store he owned in Port Bolivar. The Foundation has hired Architexas for this work, a firm with an impressive track record of saving and restoring countless historic structures in the Lone Star State. Texas--Galveston County--Port Bolivar, - Point Bolivar Light is a historic lighthouse in Port Bolivar, Texas, that was built in 1872. Point Bolivar Light is a historic lighthouse in Port Bolivar, Texas, that was built in 1872. Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation | The Official Website of the Lighthouse materialsavailable here are an expanded version of the National Park Service's Inventory of Historic Light Stations. Please click the button below. Bolivar Lighthouse. The assistant keepers dwelling, all fences, the oil house, and all outbuildings were destroyed, while the keepers dwelling was washed off its foundation into a hole and its rear portion was swept away. It later sheltered over 50 people during a similar storm in 1915. No known restrictions on images made by the U.S. Government; images copied from other sources may be restricted. When the stations two new dwellings were built, they were wisely placed on iron pilings to keep them above any future storm surge. The lighthouse withstood three of the worst storms hitting the peninsula; the 1900 and 1915 storms and Hurricane Ike in 2008. The lighthouse would have been the beacon spotted by ship captains, crew, and passengers as they entered the bay, including my husbands own great-great-grandfather who immigrated from Germany via Galveston in 1898. The iron sections for the sixty-five-foot tower were cast in Baltimore by Murray and Hazlehurst, shipped west, and then erected at Bolivar Point. During the 1900 and 1915 storms, the light-house harbored a number of peninsula residents, saving them from certain death. Wasting little time, Congress set aside $15,000 in 1847 for the construction of lighthouses at Galveston and at Matagorda Bay. Service
Port Bolivar, Texas - Wikipedia (Some images display only as thumbnails outside Improve this listing All photos (18) Top ways to experience nearby attractions A lightship was added in 1869 to help replace beacons that disappeared during the war and in . 'She belongs to the peninsula' | Features | coastmonthly.com English: Point Bolivar Light is a historic lighthouse in Port Bolivar, Texas, that was built in 1872. ATON Equipment (other than
The lamps and reflector lenses have been reassembled and are a key artifact in the On the Water exhibit displayed at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Point Bolivar Light is a historic lighthouse in Port Bolivar, Texas, that was built in 1872. Bolivar Point Historical Marker Donate | Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation Admire the Point Bolivar Lighthouse. Operational? At the height of the storm, which occurred during the evening of September 8, over 120 people sought protection in the iron lighthouse. Get your camera and head to the south end of the peninsula to see a true piece of Gulf Coast history. Canton Island Boat Channel Light (Kiribati), Canton Island (Phoenix Islands) Cape Ann (MA), Cape Vincent Breakwater West End Light (NY), Cleveland Harbor East Breakwater Lighthouse (OH), Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse (OH), Cut-Off Channel Range Front Light Station (MD), Cut-Off Channel Range Rear Light Station (MD), Deepwater Point RangeFront Lighthouse(NJ), Deepwater Point Range Rear Lighthouse (NJ), Duluth Harbor South Breakwater Inner Light (MN), Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse (OH), Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Light (MI), Grassy IslandNorth Channel Front Range(MI), Grassy Island North Channel Rear Light (MI), Grassy Island South Channel Front Light (MI), Grassy Island South Channel Rear Light (MI), Grosse Ile South Channel Front Range (MI), Horseshoe RangeEast Group Lighthouse(PA), Horseshoe Range West Group Lighthouse (PA), Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial Light (OH), Sturgeon Bay Canal & Pierhead Lights (WI), 1. While plans to replace the lighthouse were being drawn up, a temporary wooden tower was erected in August of 1865, holding a light 40 feet above sea level. The majority of the photos were taken from the files of the U.S. Coast Guard Historians' Office. The effectiveness of the towers light wasnt the only problem at the station, as the keeper and his assistant were accusing each other of negligence and impropriety. Built in 1872, it is one of only two cast iron beacons that still exist on the Texas Gulf Coast. Morris (at least 1915), Chester M. Curry (at least 1917), Christian T. Thomasen (1918 ), William H. Smith (at least 1919 at least 1920), Archie E. Fox (at least 1921 at least 1928). Galveston Bay is at left in this photograph. The lighthouse facilitated maritime commerce, impacting the growth of cities such as Galveston, Texas City and Houston. Although still standing, is not open to the public. The keepers dwelling was completed in April 1852, but work continued on the tower, which was painted red, until October. (1933) Point Bolivar Lighthouse, West of Loop 108 on Highway 87, Bolivar Peninsula, Port Bolivar, Galveston County, TX. It served for 61 years before being retired in 1933, when its function was replaced by a different light. The exhibit included two Fresnel lenses, a fog bell, and models and photographs of various lighthouses. The lighthouse served as sanctuary for over 120 people during the hurricane of 1900 that devastated the city of Galveston. Photos courtesy of the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation. It guided mariners for 61 years and was retired in 1933 when it was replaced by the South Jetty light. But we cannot see these efforts through without your financial support. Point Bolivar Light - Wikiwand Lighthouse Maintenance Management Manual, Teacher's Lighthouse Resource for Grades K - 4, Lighthouses & Other ATON in Alaskan History, Lighthouse Keepers
Assistant Keeper Edson C. Brace complained that Keeper Horace W. Crockett was an irascible, drunken, partly-demented man, who had threatened physical violence, while Crockett charged Brace of failing to maintain a proper light and exposing himself to a passing train. Without its immediate repair and restoration, Bolivar is in danger of losing a precious piece of its history.When repairs are complete, and the Bolivar Point Lighthouse is deemed safe once again, the Foundation is committed to making the Point Bolivar Point Lighthouse publicly . There isn't much to do other than drive by and admire, so it's a quick two minute visit. THE BOLIVAR POINT LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION is a 501 (c) (3) is a Texas based non-profit historic preservation organization dedicated to saving the 1872 Bolivar Point Lighthouse and sharing its legacy. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There's not really anything to see, other than what you can see from the main road. Bolivar Point Lighthouse - Tripadvisor Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
The Bolivar Point Lighthouse starred in the made-for-TV movie My Sweet Charlie, starring Patty Duke and Al Freeman, Jr. Crew members removing the top section of the Bolivar Point Lighthouse to begin Phase One of the restoration project by the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation Monday, May 15, 2023, in Port Bolivar . guesthouses, - Reference staff can Review of Bolivar Point Lighthouse Reviewed November 28, 2021 via mobile The lighthouse can be reached by taking the, Aerial view of station with deactivated lighthouse. keeper's houses, - Texas Historical Foundation Point Bolivar Light is a historic lighthouse in Port Bolivar, Texas, that was built in 1872. Point Bolivar's light shined for about 60 years until it was extinguished in 1933. site.). Cana Island Light Station, Keeper's Residence and Light Tower, Cana Island Road, Baileys Harbor, Door County, Block Island Southeast Light, Spring Street & Mohegan Trail at Mohegan Bluffs, New Shoreham, Washington County, Raspberry Island Light Station, Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters, Bayfield, Bayfield County, WI, Pensacola Lighthouse, San Carlos Road, Pensacola, Escambia County, FL, Launching a stranded schooner from the docks, Panoramic view of Tremont Hotel, Galveston, Point Bolivar Lighthouse, West of Loop 108 on Highway 87, Bolivar Peninsula, Port Bolivar, Galveston County, TX, Historic American Buildings Survey, creator, University of Texas, School of Architecture, sponsor, - "This building and machinery supplied the electric power and electric light for the entire city of Galveston, including the car system. Wonderful 4 bedroom beachfront located near historic park - Davis Beach, View all hotels near Bolivar Point Lighthouse on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Bolivar Point Lighthouse on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Bolivar Point Lighthouse on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Historical Galveston Island Bus Tour, Hotels near George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Motels near George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Hotels near University of Texas Medical Branch, Hotels near Texas A&M University at Galveston, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Port Bolivar, Game & Entertainment Centers in Port Bolivar, Visit of Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille in luxury VIP, Private Colombo City Tour with Female Tour Guide, The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights, Downtown Nashville Pub Crawl Walking Tour, 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration, Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Premium Day Tour, Paris Romantic Seine River Dinner Cruise with 3 Courses and Glass of Champagne, DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart. Brazo Santiago [170602-G-0Y189-489], 5. On February 3, 1845, the Republic of Texas earmarked $7,000 for the establishment of a lighthouse on the eastern end of Galveston Island. Harry C. Claiborne, known as the best keeper in the district, was appointed keeper at Bolivar Point to replace the problematic pair of keepers. Built in 1872, it is one of only two cast iron beacons that still exist on the Texas Gulf Cost. lighthouses, - The lighthouse has several missing members which have continually fallen off over the years. During the lights first year of service, the district lighthouse engineer petitioned for a brighter light and additional iron sections to elevate the light. Bolivar Point | USLHS Digital Archive Head: Aaron Burns (1852 1853), Alexander Moore (1853), Aaron Burns(1853 1856), George Bryan (1856 1857), C. Atkins (1857 1859), Fred Schrier (1859 1861), Lewis C. Dubree (1865 1888), Horace W. Crockett (1888 1894), Harry C. Claiborne (1894 1918), James P. Brooks (1918 1930), Louis Buras (1931 1933). Learn the latest news from the Texas Historical Foundation by subscribing to our monthly newsletter, no membership required. 2023 Couldn't wait to see the lighthouse. Retrieved from the Library of Congress,
