Artist's rendition of how the original lighthouse (1848 - 1857) must have looked, based on construction information and details. This information is still being researched.

President Polk appropriated $5,000 to build the first lighthouse structure on July 3, 1847. (A transcription of the contract to construct the first lighthouse can be read here). The first keeper, Peter Shook and his family, moved in in 1848.

In 1849 the keeper's dwelling burned to the ground. The lighthouse tower and dwelling were rebuilt in 1857 when they tore the whole thing down and started over from scratch. Both the dwelling and tower had suffered severe cracks because they were made with the rock along the shoreline and the harsh weather was to much for them to handle. The lighthouse tower rebuilt in 1857 is still in existence today.