Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters

Key West Art & Historical Society

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, September 3, 2023

1. Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters Marker

Inscription.
In 1823, the U.S. Navy established a base in Key West and the need for a lighthouse became evident. Erecting a warning beacon was essential to reduce shipwrecks on the treacherous shoals surrounding the island. By the mid- 1800s there was an average of a wreck per week. The first lighthouse was constructed in 1825 and was washed out to sea by the 1846 Hurricane. The current structure, first lit in 1848, stands half a mile inland, with the Keeper's Quarters added in 1887.
—Circa 1880—
Key West Historic Marker
Free Audio
Walking Tour
Call: 305•507•0300
Sponsor: Island City House Hotel

Erected by Key West Art & Historical Society. (Marker Number 67.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.

Location. 24° 33.046′ N, 81° 48.045′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It can be reached from the intersection of Whitehead Street and Truman Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 938 Whitehead Street, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Barbara Mabrity (a few steps from this marker); Lighthouse Keepers

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(a few steps from this marker); Lighthouse Tower (a few steps from this marker); Key West Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Key West Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); Lighthouse Keeper’s Duties (a few steps from this marker); Women Lighthouse Keepers (within shouting distance of this marker); Keeper's Quarters Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Also see . . .
1. Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters. Key West Art & Historical Society website entry (Submitted on September 7, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

2. Key West Historic Marker Tour. Website homepage (Submitted on September 7, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, September 3, 2023

2. Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 232 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.