02/20/2026
Today is the Anniversary of the return of the Crooked River Lighthouse's original 132 year old Fresnel Lens! On February 19, 2020, this original lens, fabricated in 1894 in Paris, France by the Henry-Lepaute Company, made its way back home to Carrabelle's lighthouse! You can see this remarkable, historical "jewel" for yourself at the free Keeper's House Museum at Crooked River Lighthouse, Carrabelle, FL. Open Wed-Sun 11 am - 5 pm ET.
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When the Crooked River Lighthouse began operation on October 28, 1895, it was illuminated by a uniquely designed, fourth order Fresnel (pronounced fra-NEL) lens. This particular fourth order lens is a rare, one-third open, bi-valve shape made of brass and glass prism rings fabricated in 1894 in Paris, France by the Henry-Lepaute Company. It served as a beacon to mariners from the top of the Crooked River Lighthouse from 1895 until the lens was removed by the Coast Guard in 1976 due to a mercury leak in the rotation system.
This original lens, which was replaced with a modern optic, was taken out of service in 1976 and moved to the Coast Guard Eighth District Headquarters, New Orleans. The modern optic kept the lighthouse glowing, helping provide safe passage to area boaters through the East Pass between Dog Island and St. George Island, until the lighthouse was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1995.
For 44 long years the historic Fresnel lens was away from its Carrabelle home. But thanks to 20 years of laborious research by Joan Matey, curator, John Canetta, historian and other volunteers, on February 19, 2020, the lens was installed in the Keeper’s House museum as an acclaimed artifact in our lighthouse collection.