Historical St. Augustine, Florida Lighthouse Tour

St Augustine Florida is full of historical buildings, tours, and museums. One of the most wonderful tours that St Augustine has to offer is the lighthouse tour. In 1824 Florida's first light house was erected in St. Augustine. However, in 1870 the lighthouse was threatened by shoreline erosion. With the lighthouse in danger of becoming part of the sea, construction began on the current lighthouse. The new, and current lighthouse was completed in 1874. In 1876 the brick lighthouse keepers home was built, where it still stands today. Unfortunately in 1880 the original light house was completely destroyed. With 270 known shipwrecks off the coast of St. Augustine, and surrounding waters the lighthouse's operation was extremely important. In 1955 the lighthouse became full automated, and still works today. The lighthouse keepers house opened for tours in 1988, and in 1993 the lighthouse itself became part of the tour.

The lighthouse keepers home has been restored, and is pact full of history. Each room in the home offers a peek in to Florida's past, as well as the history of the lighthouse, and those who once lived there. You will find family photo's, log books, everyday household items, and so much more. Perhaps some of the most sentimental artifacts are the toys left behind by the keepers children, which were found on the grounds after being buried for years. Touring the lighthouse keepers home is breathing taking in itself.

If you just can't get enough of the lighthouse, then you might be interested in touring the tower. The tower is 165 feet above sea level. The observation deck at the tip top offers an unforgettable birds eye view. However, in order to take in the view you will have to climb 219 spiral steps to the top. The journey to the top, and back down is a workout, but well worth it if your physically able.

There are plenty of ghost stories that surround St. Augustine's lighthouse. Unfortunately, there aren't a whole lot of surviving records to support most of the tales. That's not to say that the lighthouse isn't haunted, after all there is some records which prove the lighthouse has seen it's share of tragedy such as:
* In 1859 the light keeper fell from the top of the first lighthouse.
* 1853 Lighthouse keeper John Carrera died unexpectedly.
* On April1,1889 lighthouse keeper William Harn died from TB.
* The wife of the head lighthouse keeper Ratia died September 21,1894 from unknown causes.
* On July 10, 1873 the superintendent of construction Hezekiah Pittee's lost two of his daughters. Mary age 15, and Eliza age 13, drown along with another workers daughter.

St. Augustine's lighthouse tour offers a tour is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which as well maintained. The garden offers a tranquil rest after touring the tower, or for those waiting on their party. There is definitely something for everyone, and the well worth while.

RULES: You must be 44 inches or taller to climb the tower. However the grounds, and lighthouse keepers home is open to everyone.
ADMISSION: Adults $8.00 Children ages 6 - 11 $7.00 Seniors 60+ $6.00 Military personal, plus there spouse, and child gets in free with Military ID

The lighthouse tours, also offers night tours and haunted lighthouse tours in addition to their normal tours, on selected nights and weekends, at an additional fee. Regular lighthouse tours run daily.