Tropical Sanibel Island Florida Lighthouse Real Photo Postcard
The Sanibel Island Lighthouse, also known as the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, was constructed in 1884 at the eastern tip of Sanibel Island, Florida. Its distinctive wrought-iron skeletal tower, designed to endure hurricanes, was built to guide ships navigating the treacherous waters around the island, primarily supporting the burgeoning phosphate and fruit trade of Southwest Florida. The adjacent keeper's quarters, visible in the image, exemplify late 19th-century coastal architecture, featuring elevated designs for protection against storm surges.
Operational since its establishment, with brief interruptions for hurricane repairs, the lighthouse played a crucial role in maritime safety along Florida's Gulf Coast. The presence of a mid-20th century vintage automobile in the foreground dates this image likely to the 1950s, a period when improved roads and increased car ownership began to transform isolated island destinations like Sanibel into more accessible, yet still tranquil, tourist locales.
Operational since its establishment, with brief interruptions for hurricane repairs, the lighthouse played a crucial role in maritime safety along Florida's Gulf Coast. The presence of a mid-20th century vintage automobile in the foreground dates this image likely to the 1950s, a period when improved roads and increased car ownership began to transform isolated island destinations like Sanibel into more accessible, yet still tranquil, tourist locales.
