Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse dates back to 1824 when Congress appropriated $6,500 for the construction of a 30-foot, land-based tower. It wasn't until November 1875 that the lighthouse was first lit.

Robert wasn't the only member of his family to design lighthouses. His sons Alan, David and Thomas also became lighthouse engineers. His grandsons (David's sons) David Alan Stevenson and Charles ...

As a child, Thomas saw her grandfather, John "Jack" Thomas, running the lighthouse as he was its last keeper. She described the island as isolated, with a lot of beach, rocks and no trees.