Jupiter Lighthouse |
Chris and I atop the Jupiter Lighthouse |
I was very happy to have taken the time to visit. Not only was the view fabulous, but the insight into local history regarding the Seminoles was revealing. I continue to be amazed at the ruthlessness displayed by the Federal government in dealing with the native peoples to include the treachery involved in the capture of the war chief Osceola. I have begun to understand why so many streets are named Osceola. There is even an Osceola County.
Looking Down in the Square Grouper and the Blue Heron Dock |
But, back to the lighthouse--I was fascinated to find that it was a military construction project built by George G. Meade in consultation with Robert E. Lee. The lighthouse was first lit on July 10, 1860 and less than three years later the two military men would be commanding opposing armies at Gettysburg.
The lighthouse sits on an active Coast Guard installation. There site has a lot of history and artifacts to offer and so it is much more than just a lighthouse tour.
I enjoyed sitting under a huge, 77 year old banyan tree at the base of the lighthouse. I wish banyan trees would grow in Maryland--I'd put one in my backyard.
The lighthouse is remains active. Every night its light helps identify the location of the Jupiter Inlet for sailors. I'm sure that if I was on the ocean at night the light from the lighthouse would be a welcome sight--even though I was probably using a gps to navigate.
-- Bob Doan, writing from Jupiter, FL
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