Matagorda Island Light

Building of a lighthouse to guide sea-going vessels into Matagorda Bay through Pass Cavallo was authorized by the Congress of the Republic of Texas in 1845 . When President James K. Polk signed the Texas Annexation documents on December 29, 1845, it became the responsibility of the United States.{{cite web|title=The Annexation of Texas Joint Resolution of Congress March 1, 1845|url=https://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/archives/two/texannex.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010709051609/http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/archives/two/texannex.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 9, 2001|publisher=PBS|accessdate=13 September 2011}} In 1847, the United States Congress authorized $15,090 to build the lighthouse. Legislative red tape caused a series of delays, and the contract to build the lighthouse was finally awarded to Murray and Hazlehurst of Baltimore in 1851. The new {{convert|55|ft|m}} cast iron lighthouse became functional on December 21, 1852. Gulf storms and subsequent beach erosion caused the lighthouse to be rebuilt on higher ground. The light tower was raised {{convert|24|ft|m}} in 1857 to enable the beam to be seen from a greater distance. A new lens was installed in 1859.{{cite web|title=Texas Lighthouses|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/texas-lighthouses/28935|work=Handbook of Texas Online|publisher=Texas State Historical Association|accessdate=13 September 2011}}

During the Civil War, the Confederate States Navy tried to blow up the lighthouse to keep it out of Union hands.{{cite book|last=Underwood|first=Rodman L|title=Waters of Discord: The Union Blockade of Texas During the Civil War|year=2008|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-3776-4|pages=7, 78, 79}} Damage inflicted by the Confederate troops necessitated rebuilding of the lighthouse at a new site in 1873 at a cost of $32,000. A new iron conical tower was added, with the lens {{convert|91|ft|m}} above sea level.{{cite web|title=THC-Matagorda Island Lightouse|url=http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/viewform.asp?atlas_num=2084001624&site_name=Matagorda+Island+Lighthouse&class=2001|publisher=Texas State Historical Association|accessdate=13 September 2011}}

The 1886 Indianola hurricane destroyed most of the town, and caused the water to rise {{convert|4|ft|m}} inside the tower. The resulting structural swaying caused the lens to fall out. In 1956, the tower was automated by the United States Coast Guard, making it the first time the tower was not operated by human keepers.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which manages the lighthouse, installed a new rotating solar-powered marine lantern in 1999. After having been out of commission since 1995, the light was re-lit at Midnight as the year turned over to 2000, to celebrate the new millennium. The lighthouse underwent a renovation completed in 2004, at a cost of $1.23 million. The renovation was made possible through private donations through the Matagorda Island Foundation, and with a grant from the United States government.{{cite web|title=Renovated Matagorda Island Lighthouse Shines Again|url=http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20040517f|publisher=Texas Parks and Wildlife Department|accessdate=13 September 2011}}

The resting place for lighthouse keepers and their families can be found near the lighthouse.{{cite web|title=History of Matagorda Lighthouse|url=http://www.matagordalighthouse.com/history.html|publisher=Matagorda Lighthouse|accessdate=13 September 2011}}{{cite web|title=Lighthouse Cemetery|url=http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/viewform.asp?atlas_num=7057003402&site_name=Lighthouse%20Graves&class=7002|publisher=Texas State Historical Association|accessdate=13 September 2011}}

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Category:Lighthouses completed in 1873

Category:Lighthouses on the National Register of Historic Places in Texas

Category:Buildings and structures in Calhoun County, Texas

Category:1852 establishments in Texas

Category:National Register of Historic Places in Calhoun County, Texas