Efforts Underway to Preserve Historic Hams Bluff Lighthouse in St. Croix

The historic Hams Bluff Lighthouse on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands is in need of preservation and restoration work. Built in 1915, the lighthouse has served as a landmark guiding ships safely along the island's northwest coast for over a century. However, the ravages of time and weather have taken their toll on the structure.

The lighthouse is constructed of reinforced concrete and stands 27 feet tall. It was originally equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which projected its light out to sea. The U.S. Coast Guard deactivated the lighthouse in 1996 and it has since fallen into disrepair. The exterior concrete is cracked and crumbling in places, allowing water infiltration. The interior ironwork is rusting and the stairs are deteriorating.

Recognizing the lighthouse's historic significance and importance to the island's maritime heritage, local preservation groups are now spearheading efforts to save and restore the structure. The St. Croix Landmarks Society has been working to raise awareness about the lighthouse's plight and generate support for preservation efforts.

"The Hams Bluff Lighthouse is a treasured part of St. Croix's history and it's vital that we take action now to ensure it will still be standing for generations to come," said a spokesperson for the Landmarks Society. "We are currently assessing the lighthouse's condition and developing a restoration plan to address the most critical repairs needed to stabilize and preserve the structure."

The group hopes to secure grant funding and private donations to help cover the costs of the restoration work, which could total several hundred thousand dollars. Preservation advocates stress that in addition to ensuring the lighthouse's survival, a restored Hams Bluff Lighthouse could potentially boost tourism to the area by drawing visitors interested in the island's rich history.

Local officials have expressed support for the lighthouse preservation efforts. "The Hams Bluff Lighthouse has served as a stalwart guardian of our shores for over 100 years," said a representative from the office of the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. "It deserves to be preserved as an icon of St. Croix's resilient spirit and coastal heritage. My administration looks forward to working with community groups to explore ways we can support this important undertaking."

While the lighthouse no longer serves its original function, many in the community still see it as a symbol of the island's strength and identity. "That lighthouse has been a fixture of the scenery here for as long as anyone can remember," said one long-time St. Croix resident. "Whenever I see it standing tall on the bluff, it reminds me that St. Croix has weathered many storms throughout history, and we're still here, unbowed. I would hate to see it crumble away."

Preservation advocates are optimistic that with the support of the community and funding from public and private sources, the Hams Bluff Lighthouse can be saved and restored to its former glory. They see it not just as preserving a historic building, but as protecting a piece of the island's cultural identity and resilient spirit. According to the Landmarks Society spokesperson, "By saving this lighthouse, we're safeguarding a part of what makes St. Croix special. It's an investment in our shared past and future."

Key Takeaways

• Historic Hams Bluff Lighthouse in St. Croix needs preservation and restoration.
• Lighthouse built in 1915, deactivated by Coast Guard in 1996, now in disrepair.
• Local preservation group leading efforts to secure funding for restoration work.
• Restored lighthouse could boost tourism and preserve island's cultural identity.
• Local officials support preserving the lighthouse as an icon of St. Croix's heritage.