The lighthouse was first lit with a kerosene lantern on August 20, 1884, the iron skeleton tower has a central spiral staircase beginning about 10 feet above the ground and 127 steps lead to the light. Although the building itself is not open to the public, many visit the site and the beach that surrounds it and enjoy seeing it's beam reflecting off the waters of the Gulf

For a trip back in time be sure to visit the Historic Village and Museum located off Periwinkle Way on Dunlop Street. Original homes and buildings within the village, some dating back to 1898, have been fully restored by volunteers and stand as testament to a group of early pioneers who homesteaded Sanibel.  The Historic Society's volunteers are have a wealth of knowledge and are happy to walk these historical footsteps with you. Among the sites are the Old Bailey's Store, the Rutland House, the Old Post Office, the Burnap Cottage, the Packing House, the Old Schoolhouse, the Morning Glories and Miss Charlotta's Tearoom, all of which take you back to such a different way of life, each filled with numerous stories, some legendary that will have you in wonder and amazement about Sanibel's rich history. Don't be surprised if you hear stories of ship wrecks, pirates and yes, even buried treasure!