The first lighthouse on Sand Island, constructed by Winslow Lewis in 1837, was a structure completed in 1839. The lighting was provided by 14 lamps in 16 inch reflectors and a first-order lens, known as the Lewis lamp, which was a poorly designed version, or Argand-style lamp. Lewis enjoyed a monopoly through his relationship with Stephen Pleasonton that lasted until 1853. In 1859 a new lighthouse was completed but was destroyed during the Civil War, on February 23, 1863, by Confederate John W. Glenn. The Confederate soldiers at Fort Morgan observed Union soldiers in the lighthouse, spying on the fort, and the guns of the fort open fire totally destroying the lighthouse. In 1864 a wooden tower was built that lasted until 1873.
Construction
By September 1864 the current lighthouse was completed, that included a two-story Lighthouse keepers dwelling, and the land at the time was approximately. The base is in diameter and thick, constructed on 171 interconnected wood pilings covered with of concrete, and with a focal height.
Issues
Sand Island itself faced continuous erosion, to the point where granite blocks were being added to the island to try and stave off the erosion and loss of the lighthouse. Restoration efforts resulted primarily in stabilization of the island through 2008. Sand Island Lighthouse's dire situation is similar to "its sister light", the Morris Island Lighthouse, near Charleston, South Carolina. Both lighthouses were situated on sandy islands that have eroded, leaving the towers surrounded by water.
Recent
In December 2011 construction of a new island was completed. of sand was dredged from the sea floor and deposited around the lighthouse creating a by, or approximately, island. Less than a year later the $6,000,000 restoration of the island was washed away by Hurricane Isaac. The Dauphin Island Foundation works with the Alabama Lighthouse Association acts as agent and administrator for the Sand Island Restoration Project. There are seven general directors, nine directors at large, and also includes as directors:
The Sand Island Lighthouse is on the Lighthouse DigestDoomsday List, as one of the most endangered lighthouses in the country, It, and the Mobile Bay lighthouse, was damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Repairing that damage will further delay restoration efforts. The image of this lighthouse was used as a stamp cancellation.
