All books using the keywords: Neil Hurley

Volume 1 of “Lighting Carysfort Reef” tells the story of the lightships that were placed on Carysfort Reef, Florida from 1826 until 1852. Numerous shipwrecks caused the area to become known as the most dangerous section of coastline in the southeastern United States. In response, Congress authorized the building of the lightship “Caesar” which was first lit in 1826. That ship was replaced by the lightship “Florida” in 1830. The Florida served until 1852 when it was replaced by Carysfort Reef Lighthouse. During the time of their operation, the lightships of Carysfort Reef experienced shipwreck, mutiny, Indian attacks and hurricanes as well as responding to a continuing number of shipwr ...

Volume 2 of “Lighting Carysfort Reef” tells the story of the lighthouse that illuminated Carysfort Reef, Florida starting in 1852. The lighthouse tower, now abandoned, still stands today more than 165 years later. Carysfort Reef Lighthouse was a technological wonder of its day, being the largest all-iron pile lighthouse built in an exposed seaswept location. After an eventful period of construction, the lighthouse experienced hurricanes and many notable nearby shipwrecks. It was also used as a focal point in early studies of coral reefs. This book is a collection of historical accounts including letters, drawings, government reports and period newspaper articles about the design, co ...