Destroyed in 1856, it had the shortest recorded existence of any lighthouse on the Bay, and possibly the United States, at just 459 days.

It was originally estimated that construction of the light would take only six weeks, but lengthy calms during the voyage combined with the crew's inexperience and difficulty in sinking the piles extended the process to almost six months.

Nobody was injured as the lighthouse was close enough to shore to make rescue of the keeper fairly easy; the structure, though, was a complete loss.

A privately maintained beacon was located at the same site until 1908, at which point an automated, flashing light on a concrete-filled caisson was erected by the government for $8,000.

The destruction of the Pungoteague River Light led to further efforts being made to protect screwpile lighthouses with riprap.