Matagorda Island Lighthouse

1852 (relocated inland 1873) (Hiram G. Runnels). Reactivated (inactive 1995-1999, now privately maintained) tapered cast iron tower, painted black, solar-powered 250 mm lens. The original 3rd order Fresnel lens is on display at the Calhoun County Museum in Port Lavaca. The keeper's house and all other light station buildings have been demolished. This is the first lighthouse built in Texas. Originally a sibling of Pass a l'Outre Light LA, the tower was raised from 65 ft (20 m) to 79 ft (24 m) when it was relocated, giving it an unusual tapered profile. The Matagorda Island Foundation raised over $1 million as a Millennium project to preserve the lighthouse, and the beacon was relit on New Year's Eve, 1999. After three more years of work, the restored lighthouse was rededicated on 11 June 2004. In later phases of the project, the keeper's house will be rebuilt and a visitor center will be built at the state park dock. The lighthouse is located in the Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area. There is no regular ferry service, but boats can be chartered from Port O'Connor. Located near the northeast end of Matagorda Island, opposite Port O'Connor. Site open, tower closed. Owner: Texas Parks and Wildlife