West Rigolets Light

Built in 1855, it was deactivated sometime around World War II and was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

It was constructed in 1855 as part of a set of four lights which were erected around Lake Pontchartrain that year, all to the same design: a square house with an overhanging hipped roof, the lantern at the peak.

[3] The light was extinguished at the beginning of the Civil War, but as Union forces gained control of the area it was relit in November 1862, using a ship's lantern.

[2] Storm damage was a constant issue, with major repairs coming in 1888 to erect a new breakwater and wharf, and after the hurricane of 1915, the house was put on a new foundation of concrete pilings which raised it by six feet.

[3] The light was deactivated around World War II (sources differ as to whether it went dark in 1939 or 1945) but survived for many years, supplanted by an automated post light and day marker located further offshore; it was sold to private interests but was left unmaintained.