You don’t have to go far to find yourself in front of a national landmark in Mississippi. The Magnolia State is overflowing with historical sights that would honestly take a lifetime to explore. One of my favorite historical sights is the Biloxi Lighthouse in Mississippi. This lighthouse is significant for more than one reason, and the history of this beacon of light might surprise you!

The Biloxi Lighthouse has been one of the most iconic sights in Mississippi since 1848.
Joe Sparke/Google Reviews
It’s one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South, and its design is most likely the reason this stalwart lighthouse has survived countless hurricanes.
Before lighthouses were electrified, they had to be manned by individuals. Those who took on this noble deed were known as “keepers.”
NoName/Google Reviews
The lighthouse was operated by civilians from 1848 until 1939. The first keeper for the Biloxi Lighthouse was Marcellus J. Howard. He had a good run before Mary Reynolds took over in 1854.
Mary Reynolds remained the keeper until Perry Younghans took over in 1866.
U.S. Coast Guard Site/Wikimedia
Unfortunately, Mr. Younghans became ill soon after getting the job, so his wife took over. Maria Younghans was the keeper from 1867 until she retired in 1918. Pictured above is a photo of the Biloxi Lighthouse from 1892.
After 53 years of being the keeper of the Biloxi Lighthouse, she passed the baton to her daughter, Miranda, who stayed on as keeper until 1929.
David Copeland/Google Reviews
W.B. Thompson took over keeper responsibilities for the last 10 years before the U.S. Coast Guard took over in 1939.

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Out of the 91 years that the lighthouse was civilian-operated, 75 of those years were women-run.
Regina Gizbrekht/Google Reviews
Considering this was a time when women weren’t given equal rights and couldn’t even vote, this was major! The Biloxi Lighthouse has had more female keepers than any other lighthouse in the country.
And these women took their jobs seriously. They kept the light going during hurricanes, sometimes when the water levels were several feet high.
Benjamin L./Google Reviews
You can see the water levels from previous storms when you visit.
Of course, the lighthouse stands out now because it's in the middle of a highway.
David Copeland/Google Reviews
It's the only lighthouse in the country to do so!
Tours are given daily, and you can climb the stairs to the top if you want an incredible view!
Tammie M Smith/Google Reviews
Next time you're visiting Biloxi, be sure to pay a visit to this historic lighthouse.

Check out the official website for Biloxi Tourism to learn more about the Biloxi Lighthouse and all of the fun things to do in Biloxi.

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Biloxi Lighthouse, 1050 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530, USA