Of all the attractions in Biloxi, Missouri, the Biloxi lighthouse is probably one of the oldest and most popular since its construction in 1848. This huge brick tower stands 61 feet tall and is enclosed by a cast-iron cover. It was, in fact, the first lighthouse in the south to be constructed of cast metal. The sturdy construction was full acknowledged in 1998 when Hurricane Georges hit the area and the Biloxi lighthouse was the only lighthouse of ten that was still standing.
The Biloxi lighthouse has been assigned many keepers through the years, most of them women. The task of keeping the lighthouse was to maintain the lamps and reflectors, and Marcellus J. Howard was the first to have this responsibility. This job exchanged through many hands with the Younghans family having it the longest. Perry Younghans was keeper until his death at which time his wife Maria and daughter Miranda took over the care for 53 years. The United States Coast Guard took over the care and maintenance of the lighthouse in 1939 until the City of Biloxi obtained the deed in 1068. The lighthouse today is still used to help with navigation.
The appearance of the lighthouse has been altered through the years. One change has been the addition of a coat of black coal tar. Although many believed the lighthouse was painted black as a way to mourn the death of Abraham Lincoln, it was actually to help it repel rust. It was, in later years, painted white to make it more visible
The most interesting and unique characteristic of the Biloxi lighthouse is that it is situated on the median of US 90, a main highway. Tours have been given to the public, with the admission being very reasonable.
