We are looking for individuals, businesses, and foundations who are interested in helping us save this majestic light. We can’t wait to be able to say, “Yes! Go inside the lighthouse! The view from the top is amazing!”

The mission of the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation is to save the 1872 Bolivar Point Lighthouse and share it with the people of Texas. But we cannot see these efforts through without your financial support.
Donate Today

Thank You to Our “Circle of Friends” Donors!

Platinum Pinnacle Circle: $100,000+
The highest point, jutting from the round copper ventilator ball at the top of the lighthouse, the bronze lightning spire is topped with a platinum point. The original pinnacle was broken off during Hurricane Rita, but was fortunately found and will be on display in the future history center.

Copper Crown Dome Circle: $50,000 – $99,999
The Lighthouse is crowned by a beautiful, distinctive blue-green patinated copper clad dome. Copper has been prized as a roofing material by architects for hundreds of years. Once copper changes color from brass to its prestigious green patina — think of the Statue of Liberty — it actually becomes more durable.

Fresnel Lens Circle: $25,000 – $49,999
The Lighthouse’s third order Fresnel lens’ blinking light could be seen from 17 miles away and guided mariners safely and steadily for over 60 years. Today, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse’s 3rd Order Fresnel lens is proudly on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C

  • Lee Ann & Patrick Grimes

Lantern Room Circle: $10,000 – $24,999
The glass-paned cage at the top of the tower protected the Fresnel Lens from the weather. The Keeper diligently cleared the Lantern Room windows, that meant going outside on the walk in all weather and high winds and clearing off the windows. Sadly, all the original glass has been destroyed by storms, vandalism in the 1930s & 40’s, and the 1947 Texas City explosion.

  • Gulf Coast Market – The Big Store

Watch Room Circle: $5,000 – $9,999
The area below the lantern of the lighthouse, where the keeper would prepare the lamp each night, carrying 5-gallon containers of oil up to the Watch Room. Today, the Watch Room needs immediate repair to save the tower from further deterioration from the elements. Opal the Barn Owl and Honorary Keeper, has been spotted in the Watch Room – keeping a protective eye over the tower.

  • Coldwell Banker Realty, Galveston
  • Cobb Real Estate
  • Ila B. Maxwell Trust
  • James & Nana Hornbeck
  • James Bouse – Brazos WIFI
  • Jeb Boyt & Nada Lulic
  • John L. Nau III
  • SBSB Eastham
  • South Land Title, LLC
  • Steven & Catherine Hollerbach

Iron Spiral Staircase Circle: $2,500 – $4,999
Everyday, the Keepers climbed the 140 spiral stairs to the Watch Room to keep the Light shining, guiding mariners into one of the busiest sea ports in the nation. During the devastating 1900 hurricane, 125 took shelter in the lighthouse and survived the storm. Again in 1915, the lighthouse saved over 60 residents who sought shelter in the Lighthouse and huddled 2×2 on the stairs, while the tower swayed and the storms pounded the Bolivar Peninsula.

  • Cindy & John L. Sullivan
  • Deelu Land & Cattle Company
  • Galveston Daily News
  • Greg Fountain, REALTOR
  • Holiday Beach Home Owners
  • Russell & Kathy Autrey
  • Sid & Joann Bouse
  • Swedes Real Estate, LLC
  • Visit Galveston
  • Wayne & Vicki Mouton

Black & White Daymark Circle: $1,000 – $2,499
Lighthouses are painted to stand out against the prevailing background with a daymark or painted pattern. Over the years, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse’s distinctive Black & White Daymark bands have faded to rusted brown. We can’t wait for the day when the Lighthouse once again boasts brightly painted bands that can be seen from miles away, welcoming the world to Texas!

  • Amy & Peter Chase
  • Capital Title of Texas
  • Christine Derryberry
  • Clayton Bracey
  • CNBNC, Inc. (dba Precision Lawns)
  • Cunningham Gas Products
  • Daniel Priest Insurance Agency
  • Deborah Kahla – REMAX on the Water
  • Debra McLoad
  • Fraternal Order of Eagles Crystal Beach
  • George & Ann Schaumburg
  • Houston Ship Pilots
  • Jamie Sievers
  • Jill & Dennis Farley
  • Kathy Syphrett
  • Larry Lee Consulting – Barbara & Larry Lee
  • Lee Craigmiles
  • Machell & Darin Plummer
  • Martha Jones (in loving memory of Pat Boyt)
  • Mary Casey
  • McMillan Building Movers, Inc. – George & Dee McMillan
  • Michael Hoover
  • Michael Maxwell
  • Patrick J. McLoad
  • Richard Thomlinson
  • Rygaard Consulting, LLC
  • Seacoast Surveys
  • Sherwin Williams
  • SMI Agency (in loving memory of Dixie Shaw)
  • The Adventure Chix
  • Tia’s Ocean Grill
  • Triangle Concrete Services, Inc.
  • Troy LeBlanc

Brick & Mortar Circle: $500 – $999
The 1872 Point Bolivar Lighthouse is unique in many structural aspects. At 117 feet, it is one the tallest lighthouses in Texas. Also, the exterior of the lighthouse is made of cast iron plates but once you step inside you can see that this iron shell is protecting an inner tower constructed of intricately and expertly laid brick, 18″ thick at the bottom and tapering to 12″ at the top.

  • A & M Wetland Consulting Services
  • Adrienne Michael
  • Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation
  • Dogs at Dolphins View
  • G3 Safety, Inc.
  • George Mercado
  • Mama Teresas Restaurant, Inc.
  • Mary Ellen & Michael LaBerge
  • Moody Bank Galveston
  • Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Lack (in honor of Betsy Boyt) 
  • Nick & Susan Lampson
  • Prosperity Bank of Winnie
  • Quentin Severin
  • Rhonda DeVillier
  • Richard C. Walter Living Trust
  • Robert G. Quinn (in honor of Pat Boyt)
  • Scott Bouse
  • US Lighthouse Society
  • Wendy Dozier

Iron Door Circle: $250 – $499
A massive iron door, similar to the iron sheathing on the tower, provides an entry at the base of the lighthouse. During the 1915 devastating hurricane with wind over 100 mph, water rose nearly neck deep at the base of the tower, and the iron door was torn open. The keepers struggled to secure the door and saved over 60 people who took shelter in the lighthouse.

  • Jane Buchanon
  • Deborah Giese
  • Brooke Bradburn
  • Joan Graff
  • Chris Benjamin
  • D. Briggs & Susannah Donaldson
  • Andrea Quigley
  • Betsy Boyt
  • Carol Ysassi (in honor of Rick Ysassi)
  • Celeste Hatcher Vega
  • Edward B. & Sandra Pickett (in honor of Pat Boyt)
  • Eric Holz
  • Hal Landry
  • Jody & Mark DeSantis
  • Kelsi Sullivan
  • Kim & Chris Arrington
  • Kimberlee Parmer
  • Lance Olshovsky
  • Linda Dolfi
  • Lyndon Glaesman
  • Mary Humphlett
  • Victoria & Bryan Laine
  • Wayne & Stacey Hatcher

Keeper’s Key Circle: $150 – $249
When you unlock the massive iron entry door of the Bolivar Point Lighthouse and enter into the 150-year old majestic tower, you will be in awe of the craftsmanship and engineering expertise that went into building this iconic lighthouse. Step back in time and picture the life of the Lighthouse Keepers and their families as they struggled against the elements and provided light during the storm.

  • Casey & Kristian Koengeter
  • Cindy & Kirk Price – Patsy Ruth Cunningham
  • Gregg & Monica Young
  • Shauna & Bryan King
  • Kevin Koch
  • Kurt & Debbie Ploeger
  • Brynn Bullington
  • Gay McDow
  •  Gail Duncan
  • Claudia Williamson
  • Dan Jarvis
  • Houston & Donna Sliger
  • John Bouse
  • Larry Irsik
  • Leonard Woolsey
  • Lila & Mark Boyt
  • Marti Ashabranner
  • Randall E. Harrington
  • Robert Walker
  • William Wilson
bolivar point lighthouse
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National Register of Historic Places

Texas Historical Marker

Heritage at Risk List