On September 28, 1850, the United States Congress authorized an appropriation of $15,000 for "a lighthouse and beacon light" at Brazos Santiago Pass.

During the American Civil War the Point (Port) Isabel Lighthouse was occupied by soldiers from both sides as a look-out post.

On October 5, 1950, the Texas State Park Board accepted the lighthouse and surrounding land as a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Lon C. Hill Jr., the owners at the time.

On November 16-17, 2022, a reproduction 3rd Order Fresnel Lens was installed in the Lighthouse and a celebration held on December 9, 2022.

[3] The site is owned by the Texas Historical Commission but operated by the City of Port Isabel.