The Historic Sanibel Island Lighthouse

The historic Sanibel Lighthouse, also known as The Sanibel Island Light is an iconic Sanibel Island landmark with many stories to share.

The Historic Sanibel Lighthouse

The historic Sanibel Lighthouse was built in 1884, it was one of the first lighthouses on the Gulf Coast. A request for a lighthouse had been active since 1878 however, the $50,000 needed to build the lighthouse was not granted until 1883. Within 3 months the 98 foot, iron structure was complete. It was lit on August 20th, 1884 by the first lighthouse keeper Dudley Richardson. The lighthouse ran on kerosene oil which had to be carried up a 127 stair spiral staircase by the lighthouse keeper. The lighthouse is located in Lighthouse Beach Park which is a popular site for shelling, fishing, beach dwelling, and sunsets. Find out a lesser-known fact about the Sanibel Lighthouse.

Directions

The historic Sanibel Lighthouse is located on the East-end of the Island. When you come off the causeway turn left at the four-way stop on Periwinkle Way. Follow Periwinkle all the way down until you come to Lighthouse Beach Park. The lighthouse sits at the Eastern end.

Parking & Facilities

There are three pay-and-display parking lots. Periwinkle Way dead ends into one of the lots and there are two by the fishing pier. One main parking lot is closest to the fishing pier, the smaller of the two is an overflow lot.

There are 170 parking spaces, two dedicated RV spots and 5 handicap spots.

Parking is $5 per hour payable by credit card or cash at a kiosk.

Lighthouse Beach Park has picnic tables, outdoor grills, restrooms & outdoor showers, bike racks and a very popular fishing pier.

Sanibel Lighthouse
112 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

239-472-3700

Learn More About Sanibel History
Learn More About The Lighthouse Beach
Purchase “The Sanibel Lighthouse, A Complete History”
– By Longtime Lighthouse Resident, Charles LeBuff

Lighthouse Keepers

The most notable Sanibel Lighthouse keepers were the first keeper, Dudley Richardson, the second keeper Henry Shannahan and the last keeper, Bob England.

Dudley Richardson came from Key West and was the keeper from 1884 to 1892. He was the first person to ever light the historic Sanibel Lighthouse. He had an assistant keeper called Henry Shannahan and after Richardson retired Shannahan applied for the keeper position. Though at first he was turned down due to his illiteracy, he did become the lighthouse keeper in 1892 and remained in the position until he passed away in 1913. Shannahan also married a widow on the Island called Irene Rutland. Between them, they had 13 children. Issac Newton Rutland, one of the sons, passed away in 1916 and has the most prominent grave at the Sanibel Historic Cemetery.

In February 1946, long after the lighthouse had been converted from kerosene oil to acetylene gas, William Robert (Bob) England Jr. became the last lighthouse keeper. Bob was a U.S. Coast Guardsman and this was his first lighthouse assignment. Bob, his wife Mae and young daughter Margaret lived in the living quarters below the lighthouse until 1949 when a hurricane badly destroyed the tower and the surrounding area. After the storm, it was decided the lighthouse would be made automated and England’s position was discontinued.

The Coast Guard finally gave the lighthouse to the city of Sanibel in 2013 and money was raised to restore it. The houses below are still living quarters for Sanibel City employees.

Bob England Lighthouse Keeper Sanibel Lighthouse

Bob England Sanibel Island Lighthouse keeper

Old picture of the Sanibel Lighthouse on Sanibel Island

About Charles LeBuff

After moving to Florida in 1952, Charles LeBuff started a long federal career with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, in 1958 he was selected to fill a position on Sanibel at the National Wildlife Refuge, now known as the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, where he spent 32 years as a Wildlife Technician. During this time, Charles and his family were housed at the Sanibel Lighthouse in one of the Lighthouse cottages where the refuge had it’s headquarters for 22 years. Also a successful author, Charles penned a wonderful book about the Sanibel Light House called “The Sanibel Lighthouse, A Complete History”. This book is one of the most popular books about the Sanibel Lighthouse and can be purchased HERE.

Restaurants Near The Historic Sanibel Lighthouse

Lighthouse Cafe
362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0303
Visit Lighthouse Cafe Website

The Lighthouse Café is quaint and fun with a huge selection of food. And because they serve breakfast all day, there are even more choices at every meal. The food is well-portioned for the price, and they have a great mix of standard fare and quirky items that showcase their proximity to the sea. Try the incredible Eggs Benedict with its delicious sauce – and definitely ask for it “Lighthouse style” so it comes on a croissant.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

Sanibel’s Best Homemade Ice Cream
362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0796
Visit Sanibel’s Best Homemade Ice Cream Website

If there’s something better than ice cold ice cream after a long, hot day on the beach, we don’t know what it is. Thankfully, Sanibel’s Best Homemade Ice Cream lives up to its name. They’re located right next to the Lighthouse Cafe and feature a fantastic array of original and unique homemade ice creams. They also serve made-to-order French baguette sandwiches, quiches and a variety of chocolates.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining