Special Louisiana license plates to help save lighthouse

CAMERON, La. (AP) - License plates are part of an effort to preserve a Louisiana lighthouse near the Texas state line.

The American Press reported Friday that purchases of Louisiana Sabine Pass Lighthouse license plates will help raise money to restore the structure. The plates say "Save the Sabine Pass Lighthouse" and feature an image of the tower along the Gulf Coast.

Cameron Preservation Alliance Sabine Pass Lighthouse President Andrew Tingler says the most important needs are fixing cracks and banding the tower to help prevent water from getting in.

Ownership of the lighthouse was transferred in 2001 to the alliance. According to the alliance's website, the lighthouse went into operation in 1857.

The Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society said in 2012 that the lighthouse is perhaps the oldest brick structure standing in Southwest Louisiana.

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Information from: American Press, http://www.americanpress.com

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