Day & Night Magazine 2015-16 New Smyrna Beach | Page 55

PONCE DELEON INLET LIGHTHOUSE
In 1887 this 175 foot tall lighthouse flashed for the
first time. Originally the beacon burned oil which was
converted to electricity in the 1920’s.
203 steps spiral upward to this great lamp which has a
revolving lens made in Paris in 1867. The brilliant light
beamed out to sea six times every 26 seconds and was
visible some 20 miles out.
The lighthouse rests on a 45 foot wide base with a 12
foot foundation of brick. At the base the structure is 32
feet in diameter and tapers upward 175 feet. Also on
this property is a sea museum which was once the head
lighthouse keeper’s house. Four other buildings lend a
view of the past as one building has been restored and
furnished in the era of 1890.
Today the lighthouse is open to the public from 10
a.m. until 7 p.m. lending a breathtaking vie ܁