Local author James C. Kingsmill has never been inside, let alone to the top of the Point Bolivar Lighthouse on Bolivar Peninsula, but the historic structure nevertheless serves as the inspiration for his debut novel, “At the Top of the Lighthouse.”

“In our younger days, before we were parents, my wife and I would visit lighthouses all around the country and photograph them. We started our journey with lighthouses along the Gulf Coast. The first lighthouse that we ever photographed was the Bolivar Lighthouse,” said Kingsmill, who is a lifelong resident of Baytown.

“Up close, it isn’t very picturesque, but the view of the lighthouse when riding over on the ferry makes it seem far grander. That is the view of the lighthouse that I love the most, and it is that view that inspired the story.:

“I have seen lighthouses all over the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast, but the Bolivar Lighthouse remains my favorite. The fictional lighthouse in the book is very much like the Point Bolivar lighthouse,” said Kingsmill.

A book signing event is set from 1 to 3pm on Saturday, July 22, at Galveston Bookshop, 317 23rd Street in Galveston.

The storied lighthouse, constructed in 1872, stands at a height of 117 feet above sea level. During the devastating Great Galveston Storm of 1900 hurricane, 125 Galveston residents took shelter in the Bolivar Point Lighthouse and survived the storm.

The Category 4 storm decimated two-thirds of the city of Galveston, claimed an estimated 12,000 lives and continues to hold the unfortunate distinction of being the most-deadly natural disaster in the history of the United States.

For a span of 61 years, the Point Bolivar Lighthouse dutifully illuminated the path for seafarers until its retirement in 1933, when it was replaced by the South Jetty light.

The lighthouse, which was auctioned by the government in 1947, has been under private ownership and care by the descendants of E.V. Boyt and his sister Ila Maxwell. As a result, it has remained inaccessible to visitors.

However, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation is spearheading a $5 million renovation project for the historic lighthouse, which began in May 2023, and Kingsmill is delighted.

“I have only gotten as close as I possibly could - without trespassing - to photograph it. The Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation sponsors events that would allow a more up-close-and-personal look. However, every time I’ve been fortunate enough to find out about those events, either I was not able to attend, or I found out about the event after it had already sold out,” he said.

Kingsmill, an educator for more than 27 years, said he finds the history of lighthouses to be a beacon for curiosity.

“Every lighthouse we’ve seen has a unique or interesting backstory. I wanted to take my love for lighthouses and develop a unique backstory for a fictional lighthouse,” said Kingsmill, who will begin a new position as the head speech and debate coach at Katy Paetow High School in the fall.

 

“In the book, the Karankawa Point lighthouse is the literal focal point of the relationship between lifelong best friends, and a metaphorical representation of their friendship as well,” he said. “However, some of the historical facts of the Bolivar Lighthouse have been loosely woven into the plot, such as how it survived the 1900 Storm. Anyone who lives in the area will be able to pick up on the similarities between the Bolivar Lighthouse and the Karankawa Point Lighthouse.”

Galveston Bay has always been a part of Kingsmill’s life, but it’s more than the inlet of the Gulf of Mexico that piques his interest. Kingsmill said he was familiar with the history of the area, but while writing his novel, he dedicated time to delve into the rich history of the Karankawa Indian Tribe - widely known for their formidable warrior skills and frequent territorial conflicts with neighboring tribes - and their presence along the coast of Texas.

“I don’t know if I am as much inspired by the bay as I am just interested in the history of the Bay Area such as the Bolivar Lighthouse and the Karankawa Indians,” he said.

Sadly, the history of the Karankawa people concludes on a somber note. Their unwavering defense of their territory and their reputation as skilled warriors made them unwelcome to the Western explorers and settlers who arrived in the region.

Consequently, a prolonged and intense struggle for land ensued, ultimately leading to the extinction of the Karankawa. Today, only a small collection of approximately 100 words from their language remains, providing a mere glimpse into the rich tapestry of their once vibrant culture.

“I also did quite a bit of research on lighthouse design and the history of the lighthouses along the Texas coast. I wanted to be sure that even though the lighthouse in my story was fictional, that certain details, such as the different rooms within the lighthouse, the decommissioning of the light, and the keepers’ quarters design, were accurate,” he said.

“I also made sure that the hurricanes that were mentioned in the book, while also fictional, matched the Safavid-Simpson scale for storm surge and wind speed, and the names would have been appropriate for the National Hurricane Center’s Tropical Cyclone name list.”

“Details like these were important to me while writing the book. I am also interested in the weather that affects the bay. Living in Baytown, Hurricane Alicia hit when I was right about to start my freshman year of high school and I became interested in hurricanes then. In addition to the lighthouse, hurricanes play a major role in the plot of the book,” he said.

FACT MEETS FICTION

The novel is set in a small fictional community, called Karankawa Point, on a barrier island which is loosely based on Bolivar Peninsula, he said.

“The island is separated from the mainland, which is never named, by a bay, which is also never named. To anyone who is familiar with the area, the references to the Point Bolivar Lighthouse, Galveston Bay, and Bolivar Peninsula might be recognized, but I actually reversed the locations, with the town based on Point Bolivar being an island and the town based on Galveston being on the mainland. There is also a reference to a village city, which local readers will recognize as Houston, that is not named.”

The novel follows the enduring friendship of Jeff Falhman and Scott Taylor through a 30-year span of time. Since their early childhood days on the small barrier island along the Texas Coast, the two are inseparable.

Jeff's family resides in the lighthouse keeper's quarters, while Scott lives just a mile away. The pinnacle of their shared adventures as kids was reaching the top of the old lighthouse situated on the property. It served as their playground and a sanctuary during their teenage years.

The island, separated from the mainland by a three-mile ferry ride across the bay, represented more than just a physical gap - it symbolized the stark contrast between the islanders' way of life and that of the mainlanders.

Everything changes when Scott's family is forced to relocate to the mainland during their first year of high school. This significant event alters the course of their lives forever.

Scott struggles to adapt to his new surroundings on the mainland, while Jeff remains rooted on the island. The challenge of maintaining their friendship becomes increasingly arduous as they navigate their individual journeys into adulthood.

Amidst triumphs and tragedies that shape their lives, their enduring bond consistently brings them back together at the top of the lighthouse.

Throughout the years, as they face the ups and downs of life, the battle to preserve their friendship becomes a recurring theme. Despite the obstacles they encounter, the old lighthouse remains their steadfast meeting place - a symbolic reminder of their unwavering connection.

“I think that anyone who enjoys general fiction novels will enjoy the book. Lighthouse enthusiasts and coastal residents will easily relate to the characters and the plot of the story. Even though some of the action occurs when the main characters are in junior high and high school, it is intended for an adult audience.”

The book is the first in a planned trilogy by Kingsmill.

“I have already started writing the second book, which is called ‘Beyond the Lighthouse.’ The third book in the series will potentially be titled ‘Remembering the Lighthouse,’” the author said.

“While the characters in the book are completely fictional, some of the characters are based on people who have influenced me in the past, such as former teachers and former students. Some of the characters also experience struggles in their lives and relationships which people who are close to me, friends and family members, for example, have also experienced.”

“Their stories are not identical to the stories of the characters, but those struggles had a profound impact on their lives. By referencing those struggles in the book, I felt like I was able to help increase awareness and understanding for those issues,” said Kingsmill.

A BEACON OF INSPIRATION Built in 1872, Bolivar Point Lighthouse is one of the few remaining lighthouses in the region. In November 2022, this iconic structure celebrated its 150th anniversary, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Recognizing the significance of this historical landmark, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation emerged with a singular purpose: to restore the lighthouse and grant public access for the very first time. Fueled by seven years of meticulous planning and dedicated fundraising efforts, the restoration of this magnificent structure commenced in May 2023.

The Bolivar Point Lighthouse is ready to recapture its past splendor, inviting an intrigued public to embark on a journey through its remarkable history.

Doubtless, Kingsmill will be at the forefront, eagerly waiting to ascend the 140-cast iron spiral stairs leading to the Watch Room - where courageous individuals dedicated their efforts to maintain the radiant light, guiding mariners into one of the busiest seaports in the entire nation.

Thanks to curious writers like Kingsmill, there are far more stories about the historic beacon to be told.

“At the Top of the Lighthouse” by James C. Kingsmill is published by Authorhouse.

The book is available as a hardcover for $31,99, paperback for $20.99, and as an E-reader through Kindle for $3.99. The book is available for purchase online at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and at authorhouse.com. The book can also be purchased at Galveston Bookshop, 317 23rd Street in downtown Galveston. ABOUT THE AUTHOR James C. Kingsmill has chosen to make his lifelong home in Baytown, a coastal suburb on Galveston Bay. Following his graduation from Robert E. Lee High School, he pursued higher education at Houston Baptist University, successfully obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction. Throughout his academic journey, Kingsmill also earned a creative writing endorsement, showcasing his talent in fiction writing, and received the prestigious Danny Lee Lawrence Award in recognition of his skills. Additionally, he holds esteemed membership in the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society.

As a resident of the coastal region, Kingsmill has cultivated a deep fascination with lighthouses, particularly their preservation along the enchanting Texas Gulf Coast.

Kingsmill will sign copies of his book, “At the Top of the Lighthouse,” from 1 to 3pm Saturday, July 22, at Galveston Bookshop, 317 23rd Street in Galveston.