Iconic 'Forrest Gump' Lighthouse Struck by Lightning—How Serious Is the Damage?

Should fans worry about it?

The iconic "Forrest Gump" lighthouse was struck by lightning. This was confirmed by the tower's official website, saying that the incident happened on July 27.

Iconic 'Forrest Gump' Lighthouse Struck by Lightning

Iconic 'Forrest Gump' Lighthouse Struck by Lightning—How Serious is the Damage?
In this aerial view, the lighthouse continues to stand after Hurricane Ian passed through the area on September 29, 2022 in Sanibel, Florida. The hurricane brought high winds, storm surge and rain to the area causing severe damage. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

If you've watched the popular 1994 "Forrest Gump" movie, then you know that the main character went to a lighthouse and then turned back to continue his running journey.

Although the lighthouse's appearance in the film was quite short, it's still remembered by the movie's fans today.

Unfortunately, the tower beacon was struck by lightning, as announced by Nat Lyon, the director of the Marshall Point Lighthouse and Museum.

Luckily, the incident only caused minor damage to the iconic light building. Specifically, the lightning that hit the lighthouse damaged the associated circuit and took out the foghorn and light.

"On July 27 the lighthouse tower was hit by lightning. The damaged light was removed by the coast guard for repair or replacement," announced the Marshall Point Lighthouse via its official website.

Marshall Lighthouse Lightning Incident's Details

Iconic 'Forrest Gump' Lighthouse Struck by Lightning—How Serious is the Damage?
A view from of a lighthouse on September 7, 2018 on the Breton island of Ouessant, the largest of the Finistère Islands off the coast of Brittany, western France. - The Breton islands of Ouessant, Sein, and Molène welcomed on September 7, the progress made since the launch in 2015 of a vast program of energy transition which aims for 100% renewable consumption by 2030 on all the Finistèr islands. FRED TANNEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Via USA Today's latest report, Lyon said that the tenant living in the keeper's house noticed that the light was out. Before that, the individual heard a tremendous crash, which signaled that the tower beacon was struck by lightning.

The Marshall Point Lighthouse and Museum's director said that the tower will remain with no light as it is still being repaired.

Although this is the case, he clarified that the building will be opened to the public on Aug. 7 for National Lighthouse Day.

The Marshall Point Lighthouse is more than just a tower. It is a museum that offers an interesting and thorough overview of the culture, history, and people of the Saint George Area.

Inside, you can find lobstering and quarrying tools and displays, as well as a great array of lighthouse memorabilia.

"In addition, exhibits featuring the lifestyle, crafts, and interests of those who have lived in the area, round out the experience," said the Marshall Point Lighthouse and Museum.

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