BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Biloxi Lighthouse has officially reopened after its restoration project, the first since Hurricane Katrina.
The $52,000 restoration was first announced in late August, aiming at keeping the 178-year-old lighthouse well-kept, safe, and clean.
What was restored
Crews worked around the windows, dome, and stairs. The floor was cleaned and repainted with oil-based paint. Workers also addressed corrosion on the railing at the top of the lighthouse.
The lighthouse’s previous restoration was completed in 2009, following Hurricane Katrina.
Biloxi Public Affairs Specialist John Majure said the lighthouse has stood after many environmental challenges.
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“In as many hurricanes as the lighthouse has seen and the Gulf Coast has seen, this lighthouse has stood through a lot of them, with even the water levels showing where it’s taking water a third of the way up,” Majure said.
Throughout the renovations, the staircase remains the same one built in 1848.
Reopening draws visitors
The lighthouse reopened to the public during Cruisin’ the Coast, bringing visitors from out of town and out of state.
The Biloxi Visitors Center says it has seen at least 40 visitors since the reopening.
Visitors to the lighthouse can see water lines marking where Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Camille, and other hurricanes have reached on the structure. Hospitality Manager Onnie Gazzo said it puts guests in awe.
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“They’re amazed at the water lines and how it has actually stood here for so many years,” Gazzo said.
Tours available
The Biloxi Lighthouse is open daily for tours from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and up, $2 for ages 6 to 11, and free for children 5 and under.
Tickets can be purchased at the Biloxi Visitors Center, located across the street.
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