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From our "06 Summer Newsletter
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Port Isabel, Texas
As the only historic lighthouse on the Texas coast open to the public, Port Isabel now stands restored to its 1852 appearance. It was in the 1800's that a number of concerned ship's captains asked that a light be placed at the site to assist in guiding ships through Brazos Santiago and the barrier islands. A masonry tower topped with traditional cast iron deck, railing and housing was built for the light.
One hundred and fifty years later it was obviously in need of some tender loving care from Robinson Iron's crew of experts. The entire cast iron assembly was removed to our facilities in Alabama where each piece was carefully cataloged, cleaned and inspected. Damaged castings were replaced with new replica castings and great care was taken to reuse as much of the original fabric as possible. After reassembly in Robinson's shop the piece was again disassembled, loaded on trucks and transported back to its pedestal in Port Isabel. There Robinson Iron's crew re-erected the piece atop its tower.
The Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site consists of the Lighthouse and the keeper's cottage which houses an interpretive center as well as the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce. Special activities include an annual Market Day and plenty of opportunities to picnic in the scenic park.
