The Bolivar Point Lighthouse, standing tall for 152 years, has weathered countless storms, witnessed historic events, and served as a steadfast guardian for generations. Thanks to the tireless work of the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to historical preservation, this iconic structure is being lovingly restored to its former glory.
[Excerpts from a presentation by Amy Maxwell Chase, Executive Director of Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation, on April 8, 2025.]
A Rich and Resilient History
Many don’t realize that today’s lighthouse is actually the third to stand on the site. The first lighthouse, built in 1852, was a modest 75-foot red cast iron tower. Harbor pilots complained that its lens wasn’t bright enough, and during the Civil War, the structure was dismantled for its valuable iron. A temporary wooden tower followed in 1865, but it too proved inadequate.
Finally, in 1872, the current lighthouse was built. Its black-and-white horizontal daymarks made it both beautiful and functional, and it quickly became one of the most attractive and efficient lighthouses on the Gulf Coast. Built initially in New York, disassembled, and shipped to Bolivar, it was reassembled locally — the 19th-century version of an IKEA project.
Over the decades, the lighthouse not only guided mariners but also became a symbol of hope and survival. During the catastrophic 1900 Galveston Hurricane, 125 people found refuge inside its iron walls. Heartwarming stories, such as Sue Shaw’s grandparents meeting during the storm, are part of the lighthouse’s living legacy. A list of survivors, long sought by historians, was recently uncovered, adding depth to its powerful history.
The lighthouse also endured the devastating 1915 hurricane, which battered Bolivar Peninsula more severely than Galveston thanks to Galveston’s seawall. The lighthouse swayed like a reed in the storm’s 126-mph winds, sheltering 61 people inside. Despite losing its light temporarily for two nights — the only time in history — the structure held strong.
Adding to its colorful history, in 1917, during World War I, the lighthouse was accidentally shelled by Fort San Jacinto soldiers during target practice. Miraculously, no one was hurt, and the patch from the damage remains visible today, a testament to the lighthouse’s resilience.
Decline and Determination
In 1933, amidst the Great Depression, the lighthouse was officially decommissioned. Its third-order Fresnel lens was sent to the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains. The Foundation continues to work with the Smithsonian to either retrieve or replicate the historic lens.
Over the following decades, the lighthouse and surrounding buildings fell into disrepair. Vandals, storms, and even the massive 1947 Texas City disaster inflicted damage. Since the Government auction in 1947, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse has been privately owned and maintained by descendants of E.V. Boyt and his sister Ila Boyt Maxwell.
Hurricane Ike in 2008 caused further devastation, but miraculously, the lighthouse itself survived.
Recognizing the urgent need for preservation, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation was formed in 2015. Through a long-term agreement with the landowners, the Foundation manages fundraising, restoration, and public outreach. Every dollar raised goes directly to the nonprofit’s mission.
Restoration Milestones
Since 2015, the Foundation has made tremendous strides. Early efforts focused on stabilizing the structure, preventing further erosion, and conducting a full condition assessment.
One of the most critical achievements was safely removing and repairing the lighthouse’s crown, a project fraught with logistical challenges. A team of passionate local volunteers, engineers, and a crane operator named “Melvin” orchestrated the delicate operation without a hitch—despite crossed radio signals with a nearby ship leading to some nervous moments.
On a beautiful morning filled with optimism and pride, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation gathered to reflect on an incredible journey — honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking ahead to a bright future.
With the crown removed, the lighthouse was transformed into a massive Christmas tree during the holiday season, topped with a 16-by-16-foot star built from leftover materials. Dubbed the “Star of Hope,” it shines nightly as a symbol of the community’s spirit.
Additional projects included repainting the structure with historically accurate techniques, restoring and rehanging the original 400-pound cast-iron door, and creating commemorative bricks for supporters.
Every challenge — from sourcing historically appropriate materials to tracking down master craftsman Doug McLean to repair the door — has been met with determination and community support.
The Road Ahead
While much has been accomplished, significant work remains. The next major phase focuses on raising $1.5 million to fabricate and install a historically accurate replica of the original lighthouse crown. Thanks to a recent grant from the United States Lighthouse Society, all necessary architectural drawings are now funded and in progress.
Meanwhile, interior restoration work will continue, including masonry repairs and window restorations. Long-term plans envision a visitor center and history museum on-site, offering educational field trips and public tours, connecting new generations with the lighthouse’s storied past.
The Foundation continues to explore creative fundraising initiatives, such as partnering with Galveston’s Naked Iguana Brewery to sell “Bolivar Beacon” kolsch, with proceeds benefiting the lighthouse. Annual craft festivals, new merchandise like T-shirts and ornaments, and brick sales further support the mission.
A Labor of Love
Throughout the journey, the Bolivar community’s support has been unwavering. Volunteers have rallied through storms, last-minute event relocations, and countless hours of labor to make the dream of full restoration a reality.
As the Foundation’s team passionately emphasized, this is more than a preservation project. It’s about honoring the past, shining love into the future, and preserving a vital piece of the Bolivar Peninsula’s soul.
With time, talent, and continued support, the future is bright for the Bolivar Point Lighthouse. Standing tall against the sky, it remains a timeless symbol of hope, resilience, and community.
