St. Marks Lighthouse

St. Marks Lighthouse is located in Tallahassee and is a historic structure that guided sailors into one of the area's most popular ports. The town of St. Marks was historically one of the most important ports in Florida. It also served as the port for some counties in Southern Georgia. Sailors bringing shipments into town found that navigating the Apalachee Bay and the St. Marks River were a challenge. The river and bay were shallow and boats often ran aground in the area. In 1828, the governor of Florida requested a lighthouse be built at the St. Mark's location. Within a short time, the request to build a lighthouse was approved and construction began on what is now the St. Marks Lighthouse. The original lighthouse was not considered acceptable because it was not strong enough, so in 1831, Calvin Knowlton rebuilt the lighthouse tower. It was later that year the lighthouse went into operation. For years the lighthouse has stood as a beacon for sailors entering the St. Marks area. It has undergone several renovations and restoration and was automated in 1960. Today, it is still an active lighthouse providing guidance to those traveling the Apalachee Bay.