Penscola was just our entry and exit point for Alabama and the Gulf Shores, but it contains some shopping, some beautiful beaches, and a fantastic lighthouse placed right next to a naval base. There is plenty to do on the base, like a aviation museum and Blue Angel viewings, but we did not have much time before our flight and opted for the lighthouse.
The lighthouse was lit for the first time in 1859. It replaced a less bright lighthouse that was built half a mile away. The US government had recognized the importance of protecting this entry point and had built forts in the area surrounding the lighthouse.
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| A view of the beach from the top |
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| A view of the grounds around the lighthouse |
During the Civil War the lighthouse changed hands between Union and Confederate troops, and even went dark for a few months during transitions.
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| Blue Angels in the nearby naval base |
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| The lighthouse lens |
The bottom third of the lighthouse is painted white to contrast with the trees, while the top two-thirds is black to contrast with the sky. It is officially on the National Registry for Historic Places and many of the out buildings have been restored.
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| Going down the stairs |
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| Going up the stairs (yep, that's me, Sassafrass, coming down and freaking out!) |
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