The New Basin Canal was built by Irish and German immigrants to the city back in the 1830s as a link between the city and the lake. The canal's path followed what are now the Pontchatrain Expressway and West End Blvd. That massive neutral ground that separates West End Blvd. Built in the 1890s, the lighthouse has been a lakefront landmark for years, guiding boats in and out of the Orleans Marina and the Municipal Yacht Harbor. The Coast Guard moved their lakefront station here from over by Spanish Fort in the 60s.
Lakeshore drive a bit.
This is the last light in use that has the light tower on the top of the keeper's dwelling. It began operating in 1838. The light was listed as unrepairable in 1854. The lantern showed a fixed white light with 9 lamps 33 feet above sea level. The next day it was sold at auction and torn down.