Up in the Lighthouse…

Tweet

Once a year, it seems, I have to attack my acrophobia (fear of heights) head-on by going someplace way the heck off the ground. If I’m going to do it, I might as well have a good view to look at so I don’t look straight down and scare myself, right? A lighthouse will fit that bill. After I left Fort Frederica yesterday I went to the St. Simons Lighthouse for a tour of the museum and a walk up 128 or so stairs to the top. Like forts, Civil War battlefields, covered bridges, and Navy ships, you might think if you’ve seen one lighthouse you’ve seen ‘em all. Oh no. One of the interesting things you’ll discover if you tour enough lighthouses is that they have unique markings. For example, if you’ve never been to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse you probably still know that iconic paint scheme on it from all the photos of it. That’s by design: when a ship sees that paint scheme they know it’s the Hatteras Lighthouse. Similarly, they have a unique light display pattern that identifies them. Because of this, lighthouses aren’t just “hey, there’s a shoreline here!” beacons: they’re also informational markers. Of course, with all of the GPS these days, that’s pretty much irrelevant. However, when the St. Simons Lighthouse was first built in 1810 they didn’t have 400 satellites giving them navigation. (Well, they did, but back then, they were stars. ) The first lighthouse was destroyed by retreating Confederate forces in 1862 to keep the Union from using it to their advantage. After the war the lighthouse was rebuilt. Although it is all automated today, the lighthouse still sends out a beacon to the ocean and St. Simons Sound. The museum shows the trials and tribulations of the lighthouse keepers of the 19th century. He had to climb those spiral steps, at least two times a night (and probably a couple more times in the longer nights of winter), to trim the candle wicks and refill the oil that was giving the light. No days off. He also had to keep the place maintained…all by his lonesome self (unless he was married, then the family helped out). The best thing about ANY lighthouse visit is the view from the top. The top photo shows that look across the Sound to Jekyll Island. From there you can also see past the sound into the Atlantic Ocean. The bottom photo is the beauty of the lighthouse and the living quarters that now serve as the museum. Artifacts and informational displays about the evolution of lighthouse lenses and work are on display, along with a replica of what a “typical” home would have been for the lighthouse keeper and his family in the 19th century. I’m still not over the acrophobia, but for a million-dollar view (that only costs $8.50 ) I’ll face it! PHOTOS: (Top) St. Simons Sound, with Jekyll Island, from the top of the lighthouse. (Bottom) Lighthouse and home/museum grounds.