World War II Observation Tower - Cocoa, FL - World War II Sites on Waymarking.com

"Known as City Point, this area was settled shortly after the Civil War by Confederate veterans, citrus grove workers, northern winter residents, and consumptives seeking a healthy climate. By early 1885, a board of trustees was formed consisting of William H. Sharpe, George W. Holmes, A.L. Hatch, John M. Sanders, and George E. Chester, to construct this building to be used for a public hall, school, and non-denominational church for both white and black residents. On land donated by J.C. Norwood, this building was designed by A.L. Hatch and built by John M. Sanders who completed the work on November 1, 1885. This structure served as the beginning congregation for the following churches: the United Methodist Church of Cocoa, Church of Christ, Church of God, Primitive Baptist Church, Calvin Baptist Church, Indian River Baptist Church, Baptist Enterprise Church, and the First Apostolic Temple. The building was used as a school until 1924. Picnics, dances, political rallies, a precinct voting station and observation tower during World War II, were some of the many uses the community found for the building."

The following additional information is from the 'http://www.brevardcounty.us/environmental_management/assets/documents/pdf/field_station_history.pdf' target=_blank >Brevard County Environmental Field Station website:

"On top of the roof of the church is what appears to be a bell tower. It is known to have housed a beacon light and functioned as a lighthouse. Throughout World War II, German U-boats trolled the Florida Coastline. Spotters were trained to staff observation towers and watch for German submarines and torpedoed freighters, as well as enemy aircraft. A stairway, located on the north side of the church which has been removed, was used to reach the steeple."