Since the earliest explorers came to Texas, the shallow waters, sandbars, and oyster reefs of the Gulf of Mexico have posed hazards to seafaring vessels. To counter those risks and help sailors navigate narrow passages, the federal government built more than 20 lighthouses along the Texas coast starting in 1852. Now, only five remain.
Though monitored by lightkeepers, they were susceptible to all kinds of destruction. During the Civil War, when Union forces blockaded Texas ports, all lighthouses ceased navigational operation. Both sides used lighthouse towers as lookouts, and Confederate troops intentionally damaged towers to prevent the Union from using them. Later, hurricanes, fires, and constant exposure to saltwater weakened or destroyed many lighthouses. Others became obsolete as the coastline shifted.
By the mid-20th century, automated foghorns, radio signaling, and electric…
