Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, Port Isabel, TX

Port Isabel is located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas across the Queen Causeway from South Padre Island.

After the Mexican-American War, posts established by the US Military along the Rio Grande required supplies.  Ships sailing through Brazos Santiago Pass to Port Isabel needed a navigational light. Construction of the lighthouse was completed in April 1853 and could be seen from more than 15 miles at sea.  During the Civil War it was an important aid for navigation to both the Confederate and Union troops. The beacon was on and off during the latter part of the 19^th century and was abandoned at the turn of the 20^th century.  It was donated to the State of Texas as a historic site in 1950.  Extensive repair was done in 1970 and extensive restoration occurred between 1997 and 1999.  The lighthouse keeper’s house was recreated, and today it serves as the Visitor’s Center.  With its mercury-vapor light, the tower is still marked on sea charts as an aid to navigation.  Of the 16 lighthouses along the Texas coast, the Port Isabel Lighthouse is the only one open for visitors.