St. Johns Light

Oct. 18, 2019
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St. Johns Light, St. Johns River, Naval Station Mayport, Jacksonville, Florida

Built in 1954 on the Naval Station Mayport.

ST. JOHNS LIGHT

Location: ENTRANCE TO ST. JOHNS RIVER, MAYPORT, FLORIDA
Station Established: 1954
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1954
Operational? YES
Automated? 1967
Deactivated: N/A
Foundation Materials: CONCRETE
Construction Materials: CONCRETE
Tower Shape: OCTAGONAL
Markings/Pattern: WHITE SQUARE TOWER ON BUILDING
Relationship to Other Structure: NONE
Original Lens: Crouse-Hinds Company 250,000 candlepower airway beacon-type light
Characteristic: Group flashing white light every 20 seconds, flash 1 second, eclipse 1.5 seconds, flash 1 second, eclipse 1.5 seconds, flash 1 second, eclipse 11.5 seconds; with red sector from 174° to 195°, white from 196° to 000°
Fog Signal: Diaphram air horn

Historical Information:

  • In 1954 the St. Johns Light Station replaced the St. Johns Lightship (LV-84). The lightship replaced the old St. Johns River Light in 1929 when the light was decommissioned. 
  • The St. Johns Light is a modern 64 foot tall concrete structure. The concrete was poured in one continuous operation. It is fitted with an aero-marine beacon with the power of 200,000 candles. It can be seen for 22 miles at sea.  
  • Fog tower-first of this type design; 3 - 36" hollow concrete piles tied together, 96' long topped by a pre-cast concrete house for signal apparatus.  In 37 feet of water off east end of south jetty at entrance to the St. Johns River.  Signal controlled from Lighthouse by submarine cable.  Signal generated by a diaphram air horn.  A 90 candle power green light exhibited from the top of this structure.  Fog tower was built by Merrit, Chapman and Scott.
  • The tower is still operation and an active aid to navigation. It is not open to the public.