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 Expected to ship
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Jupiter Inlet, Florida

Harbour Lights Open Edition #433

Palm Beach County, Florida has a long-time resident who’s been around in good times and bad. This local has witnessed the ravages of war, hurricanes of incredible magnitude and disease. Jupiter Inlet, Florida, has seen it all.

Established in 1860, Jupiter Inlet took several years to build. Workers painstakingly hauled the materials over many miles, enduring the sweltering heat and persistent insects. Construction was halted twice because of an attack by the local Seminole Indians and because workers became ill after catching a raging illness aptly named Jupiter Fever. Despite these setbacks, the lighthouse was finally illuminated with its bright 1^st order Fresnel lens. After only one year in service, the light was extinguished.

The Civil War and its politics took over the entire region. In an attempt to aid Confederate ships in breaking through the Union’s blockade of Jupiter Inlet, two of the assistant keepers removed part of the lens. They hid the vital components so that the lighthouse would remain dark, causing the Union ships to lose their bearing and allowing the Confederate vessels to sneak by.

Shortly after the war, Captain James A. Armour found the lens buried in nearby Jupiter Creek and reinstalled the light. A year later, Captain Armour brought his new bride to the lonely outpost and enjoyed a record 40-year career as Lightkeeper.      

Fast forward to 1942, when World War II held the world in its grips. Jupiter Inlet’s light became a “target” for enemy submarines, easily marking the coastline for both friend and foe. So to thwart any surprise attacks, the U.S. Coast Guard closed the lighthouse and used its towering height to maintain surveillance. Unfortunately, their diligent efforts could not stop the loss of several lives as torpedoes destroyed unsuspecting ships just off the inlet.

In addition to war and politics, Mother Nature has taken a swipe at Jupiter Inlet Light. During one particularly nasty tempest, the electricity failed, just when mariners needed the light most. But this setback didn’t stop the keeper from temporarily installing the old-style lamps and turning the lens by hand, using every bit of his strength to continue through the night. In fact, during this particular squall, the tower swayed up to 17 inches, most likely testing the resolve (if not the stomach) of the valiant keeper.

Jupiter Inlet now serves as a historic center and museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Other Jupiter Inlet FL Lighthouses by Harbour Lights

HL151 Limited Edition	LL130 Little Light

Photography by Paul L. Brady © Harbour Lights 
December 13, 2001