In the late 1850's, construction of a lighthouse began on Jupiter Island. Supplies and building materials for the light station had to be transported from the Indian River Inlet since the Jupiter Inlet was not deep enough for the supply ships to navigate at that time. In July 1860, construction came to an end after four years. Upon completion, the lighthouse stands as it does today at a height of 146 feet and houses a first-order Fresnel lens. Now on Coast Guard property, the lighthouse still serves as an active aid to navigation on a nightly basis. Painted in a solid muted brick red color, the lighthouse stands in sharp contracts to its surroundings. Tours of the lighthouse are available, allowing visitors to climb the 105 cast-iron stairs for a scenic view of the Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean.
