Key West Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Whiteheads Point in Key West, Florida |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 24°33′02″N 81°48′03″W / 24.55064°N 81.80088°W |
| Year first lit | 1849 |
| Automated | 1915 |
| Deactivated | 1969 |
| Foundation | "Natural emplaced" |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Conical |
| Height | 73 feet (22 m) |
| Original lens | 13 Argand lamps with 21-inch (530 mm) reflectors |
The Key West Lighthouse stands tall in Key West, Florida. Lighthouses are like giant flashlights that guide ships safely. The very first lighthouse here was a 65-foot (about 20-meter) tower. It was finished in 1825 and used 15 lamps to shine its light.
Contents
A Lighthouse's Long History
The Key West Lighthouse has a fascinating past, including surviving powerful storms and having a brave woman as its keeper for many years.
Early Days and a Strong Woman
The first person to look after the lighthouse was Michael Mabrity. He sadly passed away in 1832. His wife, Barbara Mabrity, then took over his important job. She became the lighthouse keeper and served for an amazing 32 years!
The Great Hurricane of 1846
In 1846, a huge storm called the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 hit Key West. This powerful hurricane completely destroyed the lighthouse. A ship nearby reported that "a white sand beach covers the spot where Key West Lighthouse stood." It was a terrible storm.
Barbara Mabrity survived the hurricane. However, 14 people who had sought safety in the lighthouse tower died. This included seven members of her own family. Another lighthouse nearby, the Sand Key Light, was also destroyed. Its keeper, Rebecca Flaherty, also died.
Barbara's Continued Service
Even after such a tragedy, Barbara Mabrity kept working as the keeper of the Key West Light. She continued until the early 1860s. At 82 years old, she was asked to leave her job. This was because of her opinions during the American Civil War. Key West remained loyal to the United States government (the Union) throughout the war.
Building a New Lighthouse
Since both lighthouses in Key West were destroyed, a ship was used as a temporary lighthouse. It was called the Honey. It served as the Sand Key Light until new lighthouses could be built.
It took some time for the United States government to approve money for new lighthouses. The new tower for the Key West Light was finally finished in 1848. It was 50 feet (about 15 meters) tall. It stood on ground that was about 15 feet (about 4.5 meters) above sea level. This new lighthouse used 13 lamps with special reflectors.
Lighthouse Improvements
Over the years, the Key West Lighthouse was updated.
- In 1858, it received a new, more powerful lens called a third-order Fresnel lens. This type of lens made the light much brighter and easier to see.
- In 1873, the top part of the lighthouse, called the lantern, was replaced. It had been damaged by a hurricane in 1866. This repair also made the tower three feet taller.
- As Key West grew, trees and buildings started to block the lighthouse's beam. So, in 1894, the tower was made even taller. It was raised by 20 feet (about 6 meters)! This put the light about 100 feet (about 30 meters) above sea level.
From Guiding Ships to Guiding Visitors
The United States Coast Guard stopped using the Key West Light in 1969. It was no longer needed to guide ships. The lighthouse was then given to Monroe County. The county then leased it to the Key West Arts and Historical Society.
Today, the society runs the lighthouse and its nearby buildings as a museum. It's called the Key West Light House and Keeper's Quarters Museum. Visitors can learn all about the lighthouse's history. You can even see a very large Fresnel lens from another lighthouse, the Sombrero Key Light, on display there.
