Lighthouse Groups Host Events & Activities Many of the lighthouse sites in Franklin, Wakulla and Gulf counties feature regular events and activities. In Franklin County, the Cape St. George Lighthouse features regularly scheduled full moon climbs and the Crooked River Lighthouse hosts an annual Lantern Fest each ’s Forgotten fall. In Wakulla and Gulf counties, the lighthouse Coast is home to four is a featured attraction at several of those of Florida’s Forgotten Coast area’s annual events. You can learn more about unique and historic activities by contacting each of the lighthouse lighthouses. groups directly. The oldest, a masonry tower built at St. Marks in 1842, is located in the Cape St. George Lighthouse St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge www.stgeorgelight.org overlooking beautiful . The newest, the fourth recon- Crooked River Lighthouse struction of the Cape St. George www.crookedriverlighthouse.org Light, was completed in 2008 on St. George Island. The graceful Cape San Blas Light red and white skeletal Crooked www.capesanblaslight.org River lighthouse near Carrabelle Beach features a park space with St. Marks Lighthouse a playground for children. The www.stmarkslighthouse.net Cape San Blas Light, now located in downtown Port St. Joe, includes two keepers dwellings saved from the sea and lovingly refurbished. Each Forgotten Coast lighthouse tells a story of Florida’s maritime heritage and the commitment to preserving history for future generations. St. Marks Lighthouse Crooked River Lighthouse Cape St. George Light Cape San Blas Lighthouse In Wakulla County the second oldest lighthouse For 120 years Crook- The Cape St. George The Cape San Blas in Florida stills stands ed River Lighthouse has Light, the second of two Lighthouse in Gulf County sentinel over the shores of been a guiding light for remaining Franklin County was built more than 130 Apalachee Bay. Constructed sea travelers navigating the lighthouses, stands at years ago when Congress in 1842, the picturesque treacherous pass between the center of St. George appropriated $8,000 to whitewashed masonry Dog and St. George Islands. Island. It is the fourth re- erect the original structure. tower and keeper’s quarters Today the lighthouse, one construction of the historic It was designed to guide rest securely on a base of of two remaining in Frank- lighthouse that was origi- vessels around the shoals limestone rock taken accord- lin County, stands on the nally built on what is now running out from the Cape ing to local legend, from mainland where the light Little St. George Island. The using the sole beacon that nearby Fort San Marcos de was originally built in 1895, first lighthouse was erected could be seen for up to 10 Apalache. It is located on replacing the three short- in 1833 near West Pass. miles offshore. the north side of Apalachee lived beacons destroyed by Damaged by storms, it was Rich with history, Bay on the east side of the hurricanes on . dismantled and recon- including an attack by entrance to the St. Marks The 103 foot iron and steel structed in 1848 at Cape Union Troops in 1862, River. structure was decommis- St. George. The second the structure has survived Eighty-five steps spi- sioned by the Coast Guard lighthouse fell during a a series of blows from ral up the brick tower to in 1995 and is listed on the hurricane in 1851 and storms, winds and high the lantern room; the first National Register of Historic a third lighthouse was surf throughout the years. seventy-two are wood and Places. The Carrabelle Light- completed in 1852, again Mother Nature contin- the last thirteen are iron. house Association and the using materials from its ued her own onslaught The tower walls are four feet City of Carrabelle acquired predecessor, but positioned and Tropical Storm Isaac thick at the base, tapering to the landmark in 2001 and created a public park further inland from the water’s edge. For 153 years reclaimed the remaining 18 inches at the top. The historic Fresnel lens, installed surrounding it. An acrylic reproduction of the tower’s the Cape St. George Light valiantly served mariners shoreline forcing the lighthouse to close temporarily in in 1867, was removed for preservation in 2014 and original 4th order Fresnel lens beams nightly. Nestled well, but beach erosion ultimately caused its collapse 2012. is temporarily on display in the refuge visitor center. in a coastal forest habitat, the park is the trail head of on October 21, 2005. In honor of its historic and iconic presence, the Over the years oil, kerosene, and electricity have pow- the Carrabelle Beach bike path and features a picnic Dedicated volunteeers salvaged more than City of Port St. Joe successfully moved the lighthouse ered the lamp which could be seen up to 15 miles. area. A replica of the Keeper’s House serves as an 22,000 original bricks from the lighthouse rubble to its protective shores on St. Joseph Bay on July 15, In 1931 the St. Marks Migratory Bird Refuge was historic museum and gift shop and the original station and with extensive community support and public 2014 to preserve and maintain the beloved structure. created around the St. Marks Lighthouse and a road washhouse is also on the grounds. and private funding, the Cape St. George Light was The Lighthouse Gift Shop is currently located ad- to the lighthouse was constructed. In 1960, the light The Lighthouse and Museum are managed by the successfully rebuilt and opened to the public on De- jacent to the Welcome Center in the historic Maddox was automated and eliminated the need for keepers. Crooked River Lighthouse Association. Tower climbs cember 1, 2008. A replica of the original Lighthouse House overlooking St. Joseph Bay. Housed with souve- A modern solar powered light was installed in 2000. are offered weekends ($5 adults, $3 children). Sched- Keeper’s House, built next to the lighthouse, features a nirs that honor the Cape San Blas Lighthouse, visitors Ownership of the St. Marks Lighthouse was trans- uled tours are available upon request. An enchanting museum and gift shop. Museum exhibits tell the story can also see antiquities from the Keepers’ Quarters ferred from the U.S. Coast Guard to the U.S. Fish and birthday celebration, Lantern Fest, is held annually, the of the lighthouse and its keepers. The lighthouse is and St. Joseph Telephone Company as well as register Wildlife Service in 2013. Open the first Saturday of 4th weekend in October. open daily except Thursday. Climbing fees are $5 for to climb the Lighthouse. Tours are $5. most months, 1-4 pm. Federal entrance fees apply. adults; $3 for Youth age 16 and under. No charge for children age 6 and under.

Location: Visitor Center, 1255 Location: 1975 Hwy 98, Location: 2 East Gulf Location: 200 Miss Zola’s Lighthouse Rd. St. Marks, Florida Carrabelle, FL 32322. Located Beach Drive, St. George Drive, Port St. Joe, FL 32456. 32355. The St. Marks Lighthouse approximately two miles west of Island, FL 32328. Located One block off US Highway 98 is located at the end of Lighthouse the Carrabelle bridge at in St. George Lighthouse in downtown Port St. Joe. Road in the main area of the St. Carrabelle Beach. Park as you arrive on St. Contact: (850) 229-1151 Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Contact: (850) 697-2732 George Island. www.capesanblaslight.org Contact: (850) 925-6121 www.crookedriverlighthouse.org Contact: (850) 927-7745 www.stmarkslighthouse.net www.stgeorgelight.org