Minor Island Lighthouse

Constructed in 1935, this lighthouse stands on a sandbar extending west from Smith Island. The structure consists of a square, 1-story concrete equipment shelter supporting a 6-meter post. It is painted red with a white vertical stripe. A significant storm caused the concrete building to lean at a 30-degree angle. Although the light was temporarily moved to a different tower, that structure also suffered storm damage. The light was eventually returned to the original, tilted concrete building. The lighthouse has been inactive since 2018, with its light abandoned sometime between 2017 and 2018. The site is accessible by boat.

Why it matters: This lighthouse served as a navigational aid warning mariners of the Minor Island sandbar. Its unique condition, permanently leaning at a 30-degree angle due to storm damage, highlights the challenges of coastal structures in dynamic marine environments.