POINT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE
150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND
MARKET DAY SET SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2002

In 1852, Congress approved the construction of a beacon in the Laguna Madre to support the growing ship industry of the south Texas coast. The Point Isabel Lighthouse was built to protect and guide ships through Brazos Santiago and the barrier islands. During the Civil War, the light was closed and the tower was used as a lookout for both the Confederate and Union armies. The lighthouse was lit again after the war. In 1880, the lighthouse was renovated to accommodate a new light system. The lighthouse was officially closed in 1905. In 1952, the lighthouse was opened as a state park. Today, we celebrate the lighthouse in its 1880’s glory.

On Saturday, October 12, 2002, the City of Port Isabel, the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce and the Laguna Madre Museum Foundation will present the Port Isabel Lighthouse 150th Year Anniversary and Market Day Celebration. There will be $1.00 admission to the lighthouse, free admission to the Museums, an outdoor art show, chalk art on the sidewalks, music, food booths, arts and crafts, a WWII display and show, fireworks and a ceremony at 10 a.m. featuring Captain Reynaldo Gallardo, who served in Mexico’s famous Squadron 201. The celebration will take place from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. The lighthouse will be opened until 9 p.m. For more information contact the Museums of Port Isabel at (956) 943-7602.
Rare Opportunity to view Fireworks over the Laguna Madre
from the Top of the Lighthouse
In celebration of the 150th and for the first time, the fireworks display will be on the mainland side of the Laguna Madre. The first ten people to purchase tickets for $100 ea. will be able to view the fireworks from the top of the lighthouse. Since seating is extremely limited, interested parties should act immediately as they are available on a first come, first served basis. Included with the ticket purchase will be hor’s doerves, beverages, a museum T-shirt and gift bags. For more information, contact the Museum at (956) 943-7602.
.............Museums of Port Isabel ........................................................................page 10