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In 1998 the New Orleans Historic District landmarks Commission declared Louisiana’s West Rigolets Lighthouse “worthy of our recognition and protection.”
However, it may have got their recognition but certainly not their protection. This current photograph by Henry Harding shows a considerable amount of recent damage. The roof has been folded back and boards are missing. If you look closely at the concrete pilings they are flaking off chips of concrete. The cistern is past saving although the brick might be saved and used for something else. The oil house (out of the picture to the right) is really in a tenuous position as the water is under the foundation and the concrete floor has collapsed. The roof is rusted out and the brick is just hanging there.
We would urge our readers to call, write or email and ask that something be done now to start the process to save this historic lighthouse. Contact The Historic District Landmarks Commission, 830 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70113. Their phone number is 504-565-7440, fax is 504-565-6269. You can also email their Executive Director, Elrhei S. Thibodeaux at elrheit@new-orleans.la.us.
Although the lighthouse is privately owned, perhaps they can put some pressure on the owner or offer some type of help to restore and save the lighthouse before it’s too late.
This story appeared in the October 2003 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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