Located on the Northside of Lake Pontchartrain and Tchefuncte River, Madisonville, La. Built in 1837Tc Tchefuncte River Lighthouse, Tchefuncte River and Lake Pontchartrain, Madisonville, Louisiana Built in 1832. TCHEFUNCTE RIVER RANGE LIGHTS Location: North side of Lake PonchartrainStation Established: 1838First Lit: 1868Operational: YesAutomated: Yes- 1952Deactivated: NoFoundation Material: StoneConstruction Material: BrickTower Shape: Conical Markings: White with vertical black stripeRelationship to Other Structures: SeparateOriginal Lens: 1868Tower Height: 43 feetRange: – Original Optic: Fifth Order Fresnel lens Present Optic: 250 mmCharacteristic: White light 3 seconds on and 3 seconds offFirst Keeper: Benjamin ThurstonCurrent Use: Active aid to navigation – Plans to part of the MuseumFog Signal: None but had a bell towerNational Register Status Lighthouse Keepers: Vincenzo Scorza; 1870-1872 [Passed away while bringing his report to the Lighthouse Board in 1872; information provided by Andrella Scorza Morris] Historical Information: The first tower was badly damaged in The Civil War. It was dismantled. A new tower was constructed on the original foundation- using some of the original brick. The second tower was 10 feet taller than the first. A bell tower and square keepers tower was built next to the lighthouse. The lantern was from Cat Island Light. The single black stripe that was on the tower functioned as a range indicator to help captain’s line up their approach to the river. The keepers dwelling was moved uptown to the town of Madisonville. Today the house sits behind The Lake Pontrchartrain Basin Museum. The town plans on moving the keeper’s house back to the original position next to the lighthouse after being restored. They must first build a protective wall near the lighthouse. They also are planning to build a pier for the access to the lighthouse. Researched and written by Linda Herman, a volunteer through the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society. The Tchefuncte River Lighthouse has a rich history that dates back to its construction in 1834, when Congress authorized its building to guide mariners safely through the twisting entrance to the Tchefuncte River. The lighthouse was completed in 1837 and began shining its first light in 1838. It played a crucial role in the early 19th century, linking Covington, Madisonville, New Orleans, and the wider world, and was instrumental in the War of 1812. The lighthouse's construction faced delays due to land disputes, but it eventually rose to prominence as a beacon of safety and navigation. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and repairs, including a significant rebuild in 1867, and continues to serve as a vital navigation. me Museum Louisiana +5
