Half Moon Reef Lighthouse
Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Constructed in 1858, this three-story hexagonal lighthouse was originally located in Matagorda Bay, at the southern tip of Half Moon reef. The beacon served as an aid to ships trading in Port Lavaca and the nearby town of Indianola (14 mi. SE). During the Civil War the light was disabled by Confederate troops in an attempt to disrupt federal efforts to capture southern blockade runners. The lighthouse was restored to full operation in 1868 and remained in service until 1943 when it was moved to Point Comfort (7 mi. NE). It was relocated here in 1979. (1980)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1858 at the southern tip of Half Moon Reef in Matagorda Bay, this three-story hexagonal lighthouse guided ships trading at Port Lavaca and nearby Indianola. During the Civil War, Confederate troops disabled its light to hamper Federal efforts against blockade runners, and it was restored in 1868. It served until 1943 and was moved to Port Lavaca in 1979.
Why it matters
The lighthouse marks the vanished heyday of Gulf Coast shipping and the way even distant beacons were drawn into the strategy of the Civil War.
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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