Martagora Island Lighthouse is located on the Texas Gulf Coast and was built in 1852. In 1859 it was disassembled and moved 2 miles inland due to erosion. It was frequently exposed to hurricanes and bugs so plentiful they would block out the light. Even worse, rattlesnakes were a constant threat and antivenum was always kept handy. The lighthouse was automated in 1956 and remained in service until 1995. It was relit on December 31, 1999, to help usher in the new millenium. The first photo is undated
