Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: A Beacon of History

The Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum offers a captivating blend of history and stunning coastal scenery. Built in 1859, the lighthouse stands as a beacon, guiding ships through Pensacola Bay for over a century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, it's an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Visitors can ascend the 177 steps to the top of the lighthouse, where they are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola Pass, three historic forts, the Pensacola skyline, and the Navy Yard. The Richard C. Callaway Museum, housed in the fully restored 1869 Keepers' Quarters, features exhibits on local history and the lighthouse itself. The museum showcases maritime artifacts, historical photographs, and personal accounts, detailing the region's nautical past. Exhibits cover topics such as the Coast Guard, the evolution of lighthouse lighting, and the role of women in tending the lighthouse. Recent excavations have also unearthed the homestead of Charles Hart, an enslaved African American laborer who helped construct the lighthouse, adding another layer to the site's rich history. The Pensacola Lighthouse Association actively restores and preserves the site, ensuring its legacy for future generations. Visitors should be aware that the lighthouse is located on board NAS Pensacola and requires adherence to base access regulations.