Alabama's Lonely Sentinel: The Enduring Saga of Sand Island Lighthouse

From the beaches of Dauphin Island, a solitary watchtower rises from the Gulf waters, a beacon of Alabama’s coastal history. The Sand Island Lighthouse, a weathered but proud figure, has witnessed over 150 years of Gulf Coast dramas, from the Civil War to countless hurricanes. Its story is a powerful tale of resilience against the relentless forces of time and nature. 

The lighthouse stands approximately three miles south of Dauphin Island, marking the entrance to Mobile Bay. But its story isn't one of peaceful sentry duty—it’s a dramatic history of war, erosion, and enduring hope. 

A timeline of a tenacious landmark

The Sand Island Lighthouse has had several iterations. The one you see today is the third to stand on this spot. 

• 1838: The first lighthouse was completed, but it wouldn't last long.
• 1863: During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers destroyed the second tower to prevent Union forces from using it as a lookout.
• 1873: The current 132-foot conical brownstone tower was completed. This version was built with incredible craftsmanship, from the intricately detailed spiral iron staircase inside to the hand-laid bricks.
• 1906 & 1919: Devastating hurricanes hit the coast, claiming the lives of several keepers. During the 1919 storm, the final keepers went missing, believed to have drowned at sea.
• 1933: After being automated in 1921, the lighthouse was officially deactivated.
• Today: After being decommissioned and later donated to the Town of Dauphin Island, the lighthouse stands as a monument to its rich history and the challenges it has overcome. 

The island that disappeared

One of the most striking parts of the lighthouse’s story is the disappearance of Sand Island itself. What was once a sprawling 400-acre island—large enough to support a keeper's house and even livestock—is now a small patch of rock. Over decades, natural erosion and powerful storms have relentlessly claimed the sand, leaving the lighthouse's foundation exposed to the sea. 

Efforts to save the lighthouse have faced their own struggles. Dredging projects to rebuild the island have been washed away by subsequent hurricanes, including a $6 million effort that fell victim to Hurricane Isaac. Today, the Alabama Lighthouse Association and Dauphin Island residents continue to work toward its preservation, though a permanent solution remains elusive and expensive. 

How to see the 

Sand Island Lighthouse

While the lighthouse itself is not accessible to the public due to safety and structural concerns, you can still witness its majesty. 

• By Boat: The best way to get an up-close look is by boat. Numerous tour operators and private charters depart from the 

Dauphin Island Marina

. This option offers fantastic photo opportunities and a memorable experience.

• From Afar: On a clear day, the lighthouse can be seen from the western tip of Fort Morgan. A pair of binoculars will provide a much better view of this resilient landmark.