Save the St. Johns River Lighthouse

The Mayport Lighthouse Association relies on the generosity of supporters like you to help save and preserve the St. Johns River Lighthouse, a defining landmark of Mayport’s history and identity.

Constructed in 1858 and first lit on January 1, 1859, the lighthouse is the oldest structure in Mayport and a rare surviving example of Florida’s maritime heritage. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and later recognized by Jacksonville’s Historic Landmarks Commission as one of the city’s most significant historic buildings. In 2025, the lighthouse was named to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation's 11 to Save list, which identifies it as one of Florida's most endangered historic structures.

In 2025, MLA took the first step in a multi-year preservation effort by commissioning a feasibility study to explore the safe relocation of the lighthouse from its current location on Naval Station Mayport to the Mayport Village riverfront, approximately half a mile away. This move would help protect the structure for future generations while restoring public access to this irreplaceable piece of local history.

Your donation directly supports this critical work and helps ensure the St. Johns River Lighthouse remains a lasting symbol of Mayport Village’s past, present, and future.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is a feasibility study?

❓ Why move the Lighthouse?

❓ Can you move a lighthouse safely?

A feasibility study is a comprehensive analysis to assess whether a proposed project will be successful. It helps determine many factors like technical, economic, and legal considerations, to assist with future planning and budgeting. For the potential relocation of the St. Johns River Lighthouse, the feasibility study will produce a comprehensive report that includes a condition assessment of the structure, a move path and methodology, and a conceptual plan for the new site. We will also receive a cost estimate for the relocation of the lighthouse, including both architectural and engineering design fees, and for the move itself.

The St. Johns River Lighthouse currently sits on Naval Station Mayport, where the only access is through the lowest window. The door is buried under 8-10 ft. of fill dirt that was added in the 1940s when the airfield was constructed. The condition of the portion of the tower underground is currently unknown and the lighthouse's location near an active runway and commercial vehicle inspection station places the structure at further risk. It also hasn’t had major restoration work since the early 1980s.

Public access is not possible at the current site due to military security and safety restrictions. Relocating it to the Mayport Village waterfront would preserve the lighthouse, make it accessible to the public, and contribute to the economic and cultural revitalization of the village. This move supports the vision of the Mayport Waterfront Partnership to strengthen the area’s identity as a working waterfront and historic maritime community.

Yes! There are several successful examples of historic lighthouse relocations:

• In 1999, ICC Commonwealth, our consulting firm for the feasibility study, relocated the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest in the U.S., 2,900 feet inland to protect it from shoreline erosion.

• Two lighthouses in Florida’s Panhandle region have been successfully relocated. Cape San Blas was moved 15 miles inland in 2014 to protect it from severe beach erosion and Cape St. George was reconstructed in 2008 using the original bricks after it collapsed during a storm.

• Southeast Lighthouse on Block Island, Rhode Island and Gay Head Lighthouse in Massachusetts were successfully moved in 1993 and 2015, respectively, to save them from eroding cliffs.

As an Affiliate Partner of the United States Lighthouse Society, the Mayport Lighthouse Association benefits from expert guidance in historic preservation, including structural relocations.

Passport Stamps

The MLA is happy to participate in the U.S. Lighthouse Society Passport Program and provide stamps for the following:

1859 St. Johns River Lighthouse

1954 St. Johns Lighthouse

Passport Stamps are available in-person at Florida Lighthouse Association meetings and MLA outreach events (Check Facebook for event listings).

Stamps are also available via mail by sending a SASE and donation to:
(suggested $2 minimum donation per stamp):

John Kennedy
7669 Calistobell Loop, Apt. 344
Fort Myers, FL 33907