On August 7th 1789 congress passed an act for lighthouses,beacons,buoys, and public piers. In celebration of the 200th anniversary congress declared August 7th National Lighthouse Day! So in honor of National Lighthouse Day this year, I thought I would make an EarthCache to fearure some history on the local lighthouse. Sand Island is the southernmost point in Alabama. There is nothing left of the Island other than what little is left supporting the lighthouse. The original lighthouse was destroyed when confedrate soldiers realized the Yankees were using the lighthouse tower to spy on them. After the destruction, a temporary structure was made of wood, it stood for almost a decade until a new lighthouse was erected. The structure as well as the Island has changed several times throughout the years. The inside of the Lighthouse itself is no longer open for viewing, but it is still accessable by boat and frequented by tourists. The rocks that serve as a barrier to try and prevent further erosion are covered in algae from time to time. So if you do arrive by boat use extreme caution while moving from rock to rock.
More information can be found through this link http://www.dauphinislandhistory.org/si_light/si_alha_history.htm
Questions must be answered within 24 hours of you loging the cache or your log will be deleted.
1. In 2012 erosion played a factor into damage to the lighthouse. What was done in an effort to further prevent erosion issues?
2. On a clear day Sand Island is visible from Dauphin Island, as well as Fort Morgan. How many miles seperate the land where you are standing and what remains of Sand Island?
3. In what year did the government spend $6 million dollars to bring in new sand in an attempt to save Sand Island?
4. What hurricane destroyed their $6 million dolllar efforts to save the island?
5. Sand Island Lighthouse is all that remains of the island, what materials are the lighthouse made of?
6. What efforts are being made today in order to save Sand Island Ligthouse?
7. Name two types of native birds you may see in the area?
8. Please send answers before logging as a find. Finds without answers will be deleted. Please include a photo of yourself when you log your find. This can be done from anywhere the lighthouse is visible. (Ex. if you are at Fort Morgan, take your picture there, if you are at Dauphin Island, take your picture there, and if you're on a watercraft post a picture of you on your vessel)