It’s the United States Coast Guard’s 231st BIRTHDAY! Did you know the World War II-era barracks on our site were occupied by the United States Coast Guard (USCG)? The building was constructed after the U.S. entered into World War II. Before December of 1941, the U.S. military was in various stages of mobilization that included increasing military personnel, munitions, and equipment. As the war was declared, there was rapid action to train troops and prepare the U.S. for overseas warfare. Our Museum’s collections provide a glimpse into some of those rapidly developing events with the original Keepers’ records. At our lighthouse, the strategy was to construct a coastal lookout dwelling, which was finished and occupied in 1942. The barracks were built to house at least four members of the USCG. Their job was to be on duty at the top of the tower 24/7 and report boat traffic as part of the coastal defensive system. A beach patrol was also established with members of the Coast Guard patr...