From the Dec. 10, 2010, Mobile (Al) Press-Register by Ben Raines.
The island disappeared decades ago due to erosion caused by the dredging of the Mobile Ship Channel. But now, using $6 million in federal funds, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be dumping millions of tons of sand around the lighthouse beginning in March.
Right now, the lighthouse stands alone, atop a pile of rocks.
In the 1800s, Ship Island consisted of 400+ acres. Besides the ligthouse, there was the keeper's two-story cottage and livestock found plenty of forage. Since then, Sand Island and Dauphin Island have suffered great erosion as the ship channel disrupts the natural flow of sand in the area.
Replenishing the sand is a major step toward saving the lighthouse.
Saving a Lighthouse's Island, One Load at a Time. --Cooter
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