City working to update lighthouse’s listing
The city of Sanibel reported that the Sanibel Lighthouse became a symbol of the community’s resiliency after Hurricane Ian, surviving the storm with three of its four iron support columns intact.
Originally constructed in 1884 as part of the Sanibel Island Light Station, the two “keepers’ quarters” were completely destroyed by the storm. The city’s Planning Department has been working with consultant Archaeological Consultants to update the listing with the National Register.
The Historical Preservation Committee discussed the nomination at its meeting of May 7 and the nomination has been submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office for review.
The city shared the following facts about the Sanibel Lighthouse:
– The lighthouse is an example of the late 19th century iron skeletal lighthouses. This type of lighthouse is actually named the “Sanibel class.”
– There are three other “Sanibel class” historic lighthouses remaining in Florida: at Cape San Blas, Anclote Key and Crooked River.
– During World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard was stationed at the lighthouse to patrol the shoreline for enemy landings and submarine activity.
– After Ian, the missing iron support column was replaced with a wooden pillar until its replacement — manufactured to match the original — could be installed. The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village now has the wooden “peg leg” as part of its collection.