St. Augustine Lighthouse St. Augustine, Florida

Today, we visit St. Augustine, Florida. Debi and I both love lighthouses so this was a must see on our trip through the Sunshine State. While there's more to see in this beautiful city, today's post will focus on the lighthouse itself and the keeper's home.

This was the caretakers home here in St. Augustine. Pretty nice digs for the caretaker, his wife and their six daughters.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is an active lighthouse built in 1874. It was automated in 1955. 

From it's beginning until 1936, the lamp burned oil. Gatekeepers had to carry the oil up the circular staircase, all 220 stairs to the top. 

In 1936 indoor plumbing was installed and the lamp was electrified. It stands 165' tall and is constructed of local bricks.

It is also known for paranormal activity and two episodes of Ghost Hunters was filmed on site. During the taping of those shows, mysterious voices could be heard as well as several shadowy images appearing inside the lighthouse itself.

Looking up toward the top of the lighthouse. Imagine carrying a 5 gallon bucket of oil weighing almost 30 pounds up this staircase to the top every 2 1/2 hours! Makes me tired just thinking about it.

This, and the following pictures are views from the top of the Lighthouse. Beautiful country.

The first picture of this set was of the front of the caretakers home. This one is of the rear which faces the lighthouse tower. William Harn, his wife and six daughters lived here. 

 St. Augustine Light - St. Augustine, Florida 2014